It does seem to start either with panties or night wear first… almost universally I read the same comments from your readers that it was a scrap of nylon or satin that hooked them for life.

I too started with panties and nightgowns, graduated to swimsuits, then came skirts, blouses, wigs and makeup… all this capped at about age 18-20. I think it was a real tipping point in my life… do I continue as a CD in a bisexual world or return to my male roots and continue down the hetero route with wife and family? I chose the latter and have been very happy and satisfied with my decision. I have a wonderful life, am blessed with good work, fantastic family and a healthy (relatively for 55) body and lifestyle.
Had I gone the other way I believe I would be dead and buried – this was the height of the AIDS acceleration (because it was ignored and we were uneducated) and when in full femme I was pretty promiscuous with my known and unknown CD/TS/TV/Straight acquaintances. But I did not leave it all behind… I have steadfastly clung to my lingerie bag for all these years, quietly and satisfactorily living my female role when possible and enjoyed with a very select and widely separated group of persons with the same persuasion. I know I am not unique in any way – there are hundreds of thousands of men just like me – some more open, some less and some have made the transition to open living and a smaller group to gender reassignment. But we are here and there, and most of us quiet about it… and it all starts with a specific gene combination and a pretty pair of panties at just the right moment.