Nylons (including stockings, pantyhose, and stay-ups) are a central element of this aesthetic. They are often used to achieve several visual and practical goals:
: As individuals age, there is often a greater emphasis on comfort, leading to the popularity of high-waist pantyhose or stay-ups with silicone lace bands that don't require a garter belt. Community and Visibility
The intersection of these two creates a rich, complex subculture. Transgender people can be gay, straight, or bi. For instance, a trans woman who loves men may identify as straight; a trans man who loves men may identify as gay. This nuance challenges the rigid categories of mainstream society and, by extension, challenges the LGBTQ culture to constantly expand its vocabulary.