This isn’t really a femdom related post. Instead it features an image from a series that I found fascinating, and thought a lot of my readers would also appreciate.
The photograph below is from a sequence entitled ‘Half Drag’ by the photographer Leland Bobbé. It features pictures of drag queens and, in the words of the photographer, is designed to “capture both the male and the alter-ego female side of these subjects in one image.” None of the shots in it are composite images. They’re a single photograph taken after the subject has been very carefully made-up on just one side of their face (in this particular case that of Pusse Couture’s). Both from a craftsmanship and artistic perspective I think they’re amazing shots. You can read more background and donate to the project on the artist’s blog.
As far as I’m aware (and I’m no expert) drag queens occupy a particular unique niche of their own. There may be complex intersections with gender roles, sexual orientation, fetish, performance, etc. but it’s not the same as any of them. However, just to jump back into the kink arena for a moment, the idea of an exaggerated female persona does seem to be a popular theme with male submissives. Some see it as a form of humiliation, which is not something I’m a fan of and therefore don’t typically feature here. For others it seems to be a very positive change, an aspiration to be an object of desire or a chance to explore a hidden side of themselves. It’s a shame that these two alternatives often seem to get conflated together.
Interesting photograph.
I (and many others) agree with your categorization of crossdressing het male subs: they want to be humiliated in drag (usually with “forced fem”), or they want to do it because they love women and it is a way for them to feel closer to women.
I personally have a hard time with sissies and feminization either way–it’s just not a fetish I take to naturally. But I refuse to see the forced fem guys. I think it’s misogynistic. I’m with Bitchy Jones on this one all the way.
The crossdressers who really love women, though…I admit, they can be very lovable. I went to a Sissy Maid High Tea event at a BDSM festival one year (cis women and sissies only) just for the hell of it. To my complete amazement, I had a blast. They were so attentive, and trying so hard to impress, and they had put so much effort into their grooming and roles…it was really very touching. I found them charming, actually.
Cool topic, Paltego. Most sub guys who aren’t into this fetish are afraid to even think about it.