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Definitions of Transgender Labels
These definitions were obtained by Chrissy from one of the Medical Insurances companies and are the labels that they currently use.
Much as I dislike labels it is very helpful to list them so that all of us are on the same page when it comes to talking about them.
Also remember many of these labels have changed meanings in the past, and many will change meanings in the future. Many also have or hold a different meaning in different parts of the world.
Affectional orientation - See Sexual orientation.
Affirmed female, Affirmed male - See Gender affirmation.
Androgyne - Refers to someone whose gender identity is both male and female, or neither male nor female. A person might present as androgynous, and/or as sometimes male and sometimes female, and might choose to use an androgynous name. Pronoun preference typically varies, including alternately using male or female pronouns, using the pronoun that matches the gender presentation at that time, or using newly developed gender-neutral pronouns (e.g., hir, zie). See Gender, Gender bender, Gender expression, Gender identity, Gender non-conforming, Genderqueer, Intersex, Sex, Transgender, Two Spirit.
Beyond binary - See Gender bender.
Bi-gender - See Gender bender.
Birth defect - Some people who suffer or have suffered with gender dysphoria may refer to their medical condition as a “birth defect”. Other people use the term “variation from the norm”. See Gender Identity Disorder, Intersex.
Boi/Tranny - Boi-Refers to people born female who feel that “female” is not an accurate or complete description of who they are. Other similar terms include “Butch,” “Boychick,” “Shapeshifter,” and “Boss Grrl”.
Bottom surgery/ lower surgery/Top surgery - See Surgery.
Cisgender, cissexual - People whose gender identity and gender expression align with their assigned sex at birth (i.e., the sex listed on their birth certificates). Cisgender is a newer term that some people prefer when writing and speaking about transgender and non-transgender people, with the non-transgender people being referred to as “cisgender”. In this manner, a transgender person is not singled out as being different or not normal. A similar pair of words is “cissexual” and “transsexual”. The cis/trans distinction may have its origins in geometric isomers from organic chemistry. Compare transatlantic and cisatlantic. See Transgender, Transsexuals.
Coming out - The process of accepting, and telling others about, one’s theretofore hidden gender identity, gender affirmation, or sexual orientation.
Cross-dressers (CD) - People who wear clothing, jewelry, and/or make-up not traditionally or stereotypically associated with their anatomical sex, and who generally have no intention or desire to change their anatomical sex. Cross-dressing is more often associated with men, is more often engaged in on an occasional basis, and is not necessarily reflective of sexual orientation or gender identity. Cross-dressing may be engaged in for numerous reasons, including a need to express femininity/masculinity, artistic expression, performance (e.g., drag queen/king), or erotic enjoyment. In the case of persons coming to terms with their gender dysphoria, they may start wearing clothing that matches their gender identity, which some people mistakenly say is the “cross-dressing phase” of their coming out process. These people are not cross-dressing and, therefore, should not be referred to as cross-dressers, because they are wearing the clothing that matches their gender identity. “Cross-dresser” should be used instead of the term “transvestite” (which is considered pejorative).
Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) - See Intersex.
Drag king - An anatomical female who cross-dresses as male primarily for performance or show. Drag kings generally identify as female and do not wish to change their anatomical sex. The term is sometimes used as an insult toward a transman.
Drag queen - An anatomical male who cross-dresses as a woman primarily for performance or show. Drag queens generally identify as male and do not wish to change their anatomical sex. The term is sometimes used as an insult toward a transwoman.
FTM - Female to Male (used with and without “transsexual”) See Transman.
Gender or Gender role - Refers to the traditional or stereotypical behavioral differences between men and women, as defined by the culture in which they live, in terms of, among others things, their gender expressions, the careers they pursue, and their duties within a family. See Androgyne, Gender bender, Gender expression, Gender identity, Gender non-conforming, Genderqueer, Intersex, Sex, Transgender, Two Spirit.
Gender affirmation, Affirmed female, Affirmed male- Many people view their coming out as an affirmation of the gender identity they have always had, rather than a transition from one gender identity to another. They may prefer to call themselves “affirmed females” (or just “females”) or “affirmed males” (or just “males”) rather than “transgender” or “transsexuals” because the “trans” prefix suggests they have changed, rather than accepted, their true gender identity. This is consistent with the concept that people do not need to have any surgery in order to affirm their gender. Related terms are “process of gender affirmation”; “gender-affirmed female” (or just “affirmed female”); and “gender-affirmed male” (or just “affirmed male”). See Transition.
Gender bender, Bi-gender, Beyond binary, Gender fluid, Gender outlaw, Pan gender, Polygender- Similar to genderqueer and androgyne, these terms refer to gender variations other than the traditional, dichotomous view of male and female. People who self-refer with these terms may identify and present themselves as both or alternatively male and female, as no gender, or as a gender outside the male/female binary. See Androgyne, Gender, Gender expression, Gender identity, Gender non-conforming, Genderqueer, Intersex, Sex, Transgender, Two Spirit.
Gender dysphoria - Some people prefer this term over “gender identity disorder” because it has a less stigmatizing impact. See Gender Identity Disorder.
Gender expression - The external manifestation of a person’s gender identity, which may or may not conform to the socially-defined behaviors and external characteristics that are commonly referred to as either masculine or feminine. These behaviors and characteristics are expressed through carriage (movement), dress, grooming, hairstyles, jewelry, mannerisms, physical characteristics, social interactions, and speech patterns (voice). Those people whose gender expression is (1) neither masculine nor feminine or (2) different from traditional or stereotypic expectations of how a man or woman should appear or behave are sometimes referred to as gender non-conforming. Cross-dressers generally express the gender that matches the clothing they are wearing when they are cross-dressing. In most cases, their gender expression while cross-dressing does not match their gender identity. See Androgyne, Cross-dressers, Gender, Gender bender, Gender identity, Gender non-conforming, Genderqueer, Intersex, Sex, Transgender, Two Spirit.
Gender fluid - See Gender bender.
Gender identity- A person’s innate, deeply-felt psychological identification as a man, woman, or something else, which may or may not correspond to the person’s external body or assigned sex at birth (i.e., the sex listed on the birth certificate). “Sexual identity” should not be used as a synonym for, or as inclusive of, “gender identity”. See Androgyne, Gender, Gender bender, Gender expression, Gender non-conforming, Genderqueer, Intersex, Sex, Transgender, Two Spirit.
Gender Identity Disorder (GID) - According to DSM-IV-TR, Gender Identity Disorder is the diagnosis used when a person has (1) a strong and persistent cross-gender identification and (2) persistent discomfort with his or her sex or sense of inappropriateness in the gender role of that sex, and the disturbance (3) is not concurrent with physical intersex condition and (4) causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. According to DSM-IV-TR, Gender Identity Disorder Not Otherwise Specified can be used for persons who have a gender identity problem with a concurrent congenital intersex condition. Many people prefer the term “gender dysphoria”, thus eliminating the negative connotation of the word “disorder”. See Gender dysphoria; Gender identity.
Gender minority- Used to describe people whose gender expression and/or gender identity does not match traditional societal norms. “Sexual minority” should not be used as a synonym for, or as inclusive of, “gender minority”.See Sexual minority.
Gender non-conforming- People whose gender expression is (1) neither masculine nor feminine or (2) different from traditional or stereotypic expectations of how a man or woman should appear or behave. See Androgyne, Gender, Gender bender, Gender expression, Gender identity, Genderqueer, Intersex, Sex, Transgender, Two Spirit.
Gender outlaw -See Gender bender.
Genderqueer -This term is generally used in two ways: (1) as an umbrella term that includes all people whose gender varies from the traditional norm, akin to the use of the word “queer” to refer to people whose sexual orientation is not heterosexual only; or (2) to describe a subset of individuals who are born anatomically female or male, but feel their gender identity is neither female or male. See Androgyne, Gender, Gender bender, Gender expression, Gender identity, Gender non-conforming, Intersex, Sex, Transgender, Two Spirit.
Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS), Gender Realignment Surgery (GRS), Genital Reassignment Surgery (GRS), Genital Reconstruction Surgery (GRS), Genital surgery (GS)- See Surgery.
Getting Clocked/Read/Spooked - When people are not perceived as the gender they are presenting in (e.g., based on their dress and mannerisms match according to social norms). For example: an anatomical male dressed as a female who is perceived by others as male (e.g., a stranger says “that’s a man in a dress”), or a transman who is perceived as a woman. See Passing.
GLBT - See LGBT.
Hermaphrodite - Previously used to describe intersex; now considered pejorative and outdated. See Intersex.
Intersex-A spectrum of conditions involving anomalies of the sex chromosomes, gonads, reproductive ducts, and/or genitalia. The most traditional definition of intersex refers to individuals born with both male and female genitalia, or genitalia that are not clearly male or female. A person may have elements of both male and female anatomy, have different internal organs than external organs, or have anatomy that is inconsistent with chromosomal sex. This condition is sometimes not identified until puberty, when the person either fails to develop certain expected secondary sex characteristics, or develops characteristics that were not expected. According to the DSM-IV-TR, Gender Identity Disorder is not an appropriate diagnosis when a strong and persistent cross-gender identification is concurrent with a physical intersex condition. However, people born with certain intersex conditions may be more likely than the general population to feel their gender assignment at birth was incorrect. The term “Disorders of Sex Development” (DSD) is currently recommended where the medical care of infants is considered. Sometimes written as “Disorders of Sexual Development” or “Disorders of Sex Differentiation”. These terms are controversial and not widely accepted. Some people suggest that a better term is “Variation in Sex Development” or “Variability in Sex Development” (VSD), thus eliminating the negative connotation of the word “disorder”. Some people suggest that gender-dysphoric people may be intersex or have a variation in sex development because their anatomical sex does not match their gender identity, perhaps as a result of cross brain feminization or masculinization. “Hermaphrodite” is an old term previously used instead of “intersex” and is now considered pejorative. See Androgyne, Gender, Gender bender, Gender expression, Gender identity, Gender non-conforming, Genderqueer, Sex, Transgender, Two Spirit.
LGBT- Acronym for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. Sometimes written as GLBT.
LGBTIQQAA - There are numerous variations of the basic LGBT acronym used by some people in order to be more inclusive, with “I” for Intersex, “Q” for Queer and/or Questioning, and “A” for Asexual and/or Ally.
MTF - Male to Female (used with and without “transsexual”)- See Transwoman.
Neo-vagina - While this is the technical term for when a vagina is surgically created and is suitable for use when having a discussion with another medical professional, it is not a term that should be used with a during routine office visits or routine gynecological examinations. A clinician need not remind a female that she has a neo-vagina. Simply say “vagina”.
Outing- The unauthorized disclosure by one person of another person’s theretofore hidden gender identity, gender affirmation, or sexual orientation.
Pan gender- See Gender bender.
Passing - When people are perceived as the gender they are presenting in (e.g., based on their dress and mannerisms match according to social norms). For example: an anatomical male dressed as a female who is perceived by others as female, or a transman who is perceived as a man. See Getting Clocked/Read/Spooked.
Polygender - See Gender bender.
Real life experience (RLE), Real life test (RLT) - Generally accepted guideline, from the Standards of Care for Gender Identity Disorders that requires to live outwardly in the gender that matches their gender identity for a specified period of time (typically one year) prior to being eligible for genital surgery.
Less often referred to as the “real life test” (RLT), which is considered a misleading and offensive term and, therefore, it should be avoided.
Sex - In a dichotomous scheme, the designation of a person at birth as either “male” or “female” based on their anatomy (genitalia and/or reproductive organs) and/or biology (chromosomes and/or hormones). Sometimes “sex” and “gender” are used interchangeably. For clarity, it is better to distinguish sex, gender identity, and gender expression from each other. See Androgyne, Gender, Gender bender, Gender expression, Gender identity, Gender non-conforming, Genderqueer, Intersex Transgender, Two Spirit.
Sex change, Sex change operation, Sex change surgery - These terms are considered pejorative and, therefore, should be avoided. See Surgery.
Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS), Sex Realignment Surgery (SRS) - The term “sex reassignment surgery” and the lesser-used term “sex realignment surgery” are increasingly falling into disuse. See Surgery.
Sexual minority - Used to describe people whose sexual orientation is not heterosexual only. See Gender minority.
Sexual orientation - A person’s enduring physical, romantic, emotional, and/or spiritual attraction to another person. May be lesbian, gay, heterosexual, bisexual, pansexual, polysexual, or asexual. Sexual orientation is distinct from sex, gender identity, and gender expression. A person’s sexual orientation should not be assumed based on the perceived sex of that person’s partner(s). For example, a man who identifies himself as heterosexual may have sexual relationships with men and women. “Affectional orientation” is sometimes used as a more encompassing term.
Stealth - When a transgender person who has transitioned into a different sex or gender does not divulge the fact of transition. When a person has gone through gender affirmation and does not disclose that fact to others. The risk or fear of being “outed” may be very distressing to a person who is living stealth. Some people who considered themselves transgender prior to transition believe that after they transition they are no longer transgender and, therefore, no longer have anything to reveal. Many people believe the information about their medical treatments and surgeries is private and does not need to be divulged any more than anyone else divulges their medical histories to others. Clinicians need to treat such medical information with the same required degree of confidentiality as they would for all of their other . See Coming out, Outing.
Surgery - Persons with gender dysphoria may or may not have surgery and, if they have surgery, they may have one or more types of surgery, depending upon their circumstances. Numerous terms are used to describe the genital surgeries that some people may undergo, including “gender affirmation surgery” (GAS), “gender reassignment surgery” (GRS), “genital reassignment surgery” (GRS), “genital reconstruction surgery” (GRS), “genital surgery” (GS), and “sex reassignment surgery” (SRS). The foregoing terms are purposely listed in alphabetical order in view of the strong feelings some people have with respect to what is the right or better term to use; clinicians should listen to their to see which terms they prefer. Sometimes, though very infrequently, “realignment” is used instead of “reassignment” or “reconstruction”. “Sex reassignment surgery” is increasingly falling into disuse as many people find the term offensive. In discussions with , all a clinician really needs to say is “genital surgery”. Some may prefer to use the term “bottom surgery”. Others may call this “lower surgery”, stating that they “did not have surgery on their bottoms”. It is best to ask what terminology they prefer. Some people may have an orchiectomy.
Some people may have a hysterectomy and a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
Some people may have breast augmentation. “Top surgery” is a term most often used by transmen to refer to the removal of breast tissue, relocation and resizing of nipple complexes, and chest reconstruction to a male chest structure. 12
Some people may have “facial feminization surgery” (FFS). Some people may have a chondrolaryngoplasty (‘trach shave” or Adam’s apple reduction).
Surgery is not essential for some people to resolve their gender dysphoria. Moreover, for some people, surgery is a relatively minor aspect of their gender affirmations. Some people cannot have surgery because of, among other reasons, financial constraints and health reasons.
In the United States, in most states and for federal government purposes, gender-affirmed people (transsexuals) cannot get the sex marker (i.e., “Male” or “Female”) changed on their identity papers (e.g., birth certificates, drivers’ licenses) without proof of some form of surgery. In many cases, the employees of government agencies may not be familiar with the other terms discussed in this Glossary and, therefore, clinicians may have no choice but to use the term “sex reassignment surgery” in any affidavits they sign for submission to the agencies. A few states, such as Massachusetts and New Jersey, will allow changes to drivers’ licenses with medical documentation short of surgery. Clinicians may want to ask their for a copy of the governing legal regulations and/or forms their must submit to the government to confirm what terminology the government is currently requiring in order to minimize problems and embarrassment to their at the time they submit the forms. Many people consider “sex change”, “sex change operation”, “sex change surgery”, “pre-op”, and “post-op” as pejorative and, therefore, these terms should be avoided.
Tranny, Trans - Short for a transgender person. Its use is similar to the use of the word “queer” by some LGBT people. Some people consider the terms tranny, trans, and/or queer derogatory, especially when used by someone who is not transgender or lesbian, gay, or bisexual. See Transgender
Tranny-chaser - Refers to someone who is attracted to and/or seeks out sex or relationships with transgender people. Generally considered a derogatory term.
Trans - See Transgender.
Transgender - An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from their assigned sex at birth (i.e., the sex listed on their birth certificates). Some groups define the term more broadly (e.g., by including intersex people) while other people define it more narrowly (e.g., by excluding “true transsexuals”). Transgender people may or may not choose to alter their bodies hormonally and/or surgically. While “transgender” is a popularly used word and generally seems to be a safe default term to use, some people find the term offensive as a descriptor of themselves. It is best to ask which terms, if any, they use or prefer. Use “transgender”, not “transgendered”. See Androgyne, Cisgender, Gender, Gender bender, Gender expression, Gender identity, Gender non-conforming, Genderqueer, Intersex, Sex, Transsexuals, Two Spirit.
Transition - The process that people go through as they change their gender expression and/or physical appearance (e.g., through hormones and/or surgery) to align with their gender identity. A transition may occur over a period of time, and may involve coming out to family, friends, co-workers, and others; changing one’s name and/or sex designation on legal documents (e.g., drivers’ licenses, birth certificates); and/or medical intervention. Some people find the word “transition” offensive and prefer terms such as “gender affirmation” or “process of gender affirmation”. It is best to asks which terms they prefer. See Gender affirmation.
Transman - Generally refers to someone who was identified female at birth but who identifies and portrays his gender as male. People will often use this term after taking some steps to express their gender as male, or after medically transitioning. Some, but not all, transmen make physical changes through hormones or surgery. Some people will refer to themselves as men of transgender experience. Some transmen do not use FTM (female-to-male) to describe themselves because they don’t think of themselves as having transitioned from female to male. Some people prefer to be referred to as men rather than transmen or transgender men. Alternate terms: affirmed male, FTM, gender-affirmed male, man. See Gender affirmation.
Transphobia - Dislike of, or discomfort with, people whose gender identity and/or gender expression do not conform to traditional or stereotypic gender roles
Transsexuals- People whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth (i.e., the sex listed on their birth certificates). People who, often on a full-time basis, live their lives as a member of the sex opposite of their birth-designated sex. They may or may not (1) take hormones or have surgery or (2) be gender dysphoric. Use of the term “transsexual” remains strong in the medical community because of the DSM’s prior use of the diagnosis “Transsexualism” (changed to “Gender Identity Disorder” in DSM-IV). Some people suggest that “transsexual” includes only those people who are in the process of changing, or who have changed, their anatomical sex to align with their gender identity. In older writings, such people were referred to as “true transsexuals” when they had moderate to high intensity gender dysphoria. Some people use “primary transsexual” or “early transitioner” to refer to people who have not had a significant adult life in their birth gender because they started or completed their gender affirmations during their years (or earlier) or at the latest in young adulthood. These people also use “secondary transsexual” or “late transitioner” for those people who start their transitions after the age of 30. The distinctions mentioned in this paragraph have resulted in some very heated discussions and are considered offensive to many people. It is highly recommended that clinicians not use these terms unless their bring them up in discussions.
The term “transsexual” is hotly debated, and it is not certain whether people will use or reject this term. For some, it is disliked in the same way “homosexual” has become disfavored. Many people find both transsexual and homosexual pejorative. “Transsexual” is considered by some to be a misnomer inasmuch as the underlying medical condition is related to gender identity and not sexuality.
Transvestite (TV)- Previously used to describe a cross-dresser; now considered pejorative and outdated. See Cross-dressers.
Transwoman- Generally refers to someone who was identified male at birth but who identifies and portrays her gender as female. People will often use this term after taking some steps to express their gender as female, or after medically transitioning. Some, but not all, transwomen make physical changes through hormones or surgery. Some people will refer to themselves as women of transgender experience. Some transwomen do not use MTF (male-to-female) to describe themselves because they don’t think of themselves as having transitioned from male to female. Some people prefer to be referred to as women rather than transwomen or transgender women. Alternate terms: affirmed female, gender-affirmed female, MTF, woman. See Gender affirmation.
Two Spirit, Two-spirited- People who display characteristics of both male and female genders. Sometimes referred to as a third gender ‒ the male-female gender. The term is derived from the traditions of some Native North American cultures. Two Spirit also means a mixture of masculine and feminine spirits living in the same body. This term also represents the self-identity description used by many Native American gay men who do not identify as cross-gendered or transgender. See Androgyne, Gender, Gender bender Gender expression, Gender identity, Gender non-conforming, Genderqueer, Intersex, Sex, Transgender. |
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oops, seems I miss typed the ending bold statement, leaving the slash mark out, and the bold just continued. I've fixed it now so it should be alright now.
Thanks for spotting that. Guess I'd better make sure I review the entire post before submitting it -lol-
Love and Prayers, | |||
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The purpose of posting this Glossary was to help explain gender and transgender terms that may be unfamiliar or confusing . It is acknowledged that there is a wide divergence of opinion with respect to the best terms to use when discussing gender issues. Indeed, there is no universally-accepted definition of the word “transgender” because there is no agreement regarding what groups of people fall under the “transgender” umbrella. Moreover, some people find the word “transgender” itself a faulty descriptor of themselves.
Terminology confusion also exists because terms that were widely used just 15 years ago are now passé, or even deemed highly offensive by some. So when you review the literature, and read about or listen to current events, be cognizant that gender language is in flux and that some authors innocently use certain words without understanding the nuances involved.
Some of the terms in this Glossary are used interchangeably, so that you will become comfortable and fluent in moving among the terms. We also lean more heavily on terms that are more generally known or used. In doing so, we are not implying that one set of words is better than another set.
The hope is that this Glossary serves as a informative tool for you. We suggest you use it as a general guide rather than strictly adhere to it.
Through asking questions and carefully listening to others, you will convey a welcoming attitude and thereby help our friends feel more accepted and comfortable.
Hugs, Chrissy | |||
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There is a derogatory slang term or label that was not even listed in the above definitions.
She Male -A term originally used in the early 1900's to define an overly aggressive female. The term has since been changed to describe males in the porn industry that have taken female hormones to feminize their bodies without altering their gentials, or their functionality, in order to be exploited for "fame and fortune".
Chrissy | |||
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Thanks for the update. it will allow me to correctly "label" myself. There is/was always confusion on this part. Rikki | |||
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Quite informative and very appreciated. Thank you
My only question ... what does this mean for the lyrics to "Sweet Transvestite"? LOL | |||
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This is a nice post. I didn't read the whole thing yet, but I noticed something very positive - that there is not value-judgment in the definitions of CD/TV versus TS. Often, I notice language that privileges TSs as somehow more advanced than CD/TVs. Usually the underlying assumption is that everyone's goal is to physically change their sex which is not that case. I like that you highlight that there are a variety of motivations behind being a CD/TV and thus also a variety of different kinds of behaviors within this diverse category whose one commonality is that they wear the clothing normally associated with the opposite sex. Thanks for avoiding language that makes CDs appear as substandard. We have enough problems in the TG community without setting up some sort of elitist hierarchy with in it. Thanks, Violet | |||
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im new to this group.i am a cd.i want to be a tgirl.i love to be one cuz i should of been a girl from birth.2678162 | |||
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Thank you for the very informative post. | |||
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very interesting post. made me want to join your group. | |||
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Wow, that's a long list of definitions! I still don't know where I fit, but definitely feel more enlightened | |||
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This post is amazing and extremely informative. There are so many posts out there it is difficult to get to the very useful ones, especially for someone in my case looking to learn about the transgender community. Thanks. XO L. | |||
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Cool post, ya learn something new everyday. What about "action cross dressers" though? Those who like to climb tress, run up mountains while dressed up looking fabulous...or did I just dream that one up lol. | |||
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The above information was very enlightening... My name is Jala and Im new to this site... I have been living my affirmed state since 2004 and am interested in others views... The lesson I retain ed from thyis information was the use of the term "affirmed female". The term fits me more and sounds better than transgender female. If one thinks about it "trans" means changed...My gender did not changed.. I just merely "affirmed" that I am a female.
Also if someone could shed light on how to post my picture I would greatly appreciate it... My pic is downloaded but it will not post... | |||
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A very well writen post but to me you are who you are and most important you are who you want to be not what other label you to be!! | |||
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Thank you for you post. I had posted a question in the general forum, http://Local Swingers.com=adultcr.com
and one of your members provided this link for me. Again, thank you for your informative post. I received negative comments on my question, but I believe it to be a reasonable ligical question. | |||
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Very interesting that we have had to invent new ways to describe the way we feel and look,and Modify our Bodies. Being True to Your nature should be easy,and accepted by all. So far from the reality of life. Hope we can all be ourselves,and live our lives as we wish with out fear of reprisal. Hugs Dani
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I've actually not read this since I've been back until today, but I also liked it very much. I agree with Violet in that one of the best things it brings forward is that there is no hierarchy amongst the different categories. Any one of them is not a pre-cursor to the next, and it's a huge misjudgement about motivation to assume much of anything applies from one to the next. I believe this is one of the greatest reasons why so many transfolk dislike "transgender" as a term, because it lumps us all together and disrespects the wide differences in motivation amongst each of us. Television and media like using "transgender" because it's a convenient buzzword that avoids saying anything about sex, but it always seems to lead cisgender people to make grossly inaccurate statements such as "all transgender people want SRS"; which is something I once heard on Dr. Oz, as well as from a well-meaning lesbian woman in our local Pride group. As an example, such a statement would make it much more difficult for a crossdresser to explain to their spouse that they do not necessarily want to get surgery, or live as a woman, or change their sexuality. It is also a source for the animosity some transsexual people incorrectly foist on CD or TV folk. Our fight should not be with each other, it should be with the misperceptions cisgender media and society often have about us.
I'd like to add something about the perceived negativity about "transvestite" as a term. It's more clinical use, is as a descriptor for someone who's primary motivation for dressing comes from the fact they receive sexual gratification from wearing the clothing of the opposite sex. It is frequently fetishistic, in other words the person commonly has a particular sexual attachment to certain articles of clothing, such as pantyhose or corsets. Those of a transvestite nature typically remove the clothes almost immediately after achieving sexual gratification. This is as opposed to a crossdressing person, who's primary motivation is commonly NOT based on sexual gratification; though it would also be wrong to say that a crossdressing person who has sexual feelings while dressed must also be a transvestite.
There are (at least) two reasons why "transvestite" often has a negative connotation. Please remember these are not my personal views or of anybody here, they are just some ways you might consider the term impacts people.
The first is that women's clothing is commonly sexualized in our culture, and those who exploit this purely for their own sexual gratification purposes are often considered to be appropriating femininity and exploiting women in general. I have heard some feminists go so far as to claim this makes it " by proxy" of women. Again though, this should not be confused for having sexual feelings while dressed in womens clothes, it's about where the primary motivation comes from.
Secondly, we live in a sex negative society, and our media often portrays any unusual sexual behavior as deviant and dangerous. That's why one of the most common portrayals of transgender persons in film were first as psychos and killers. It still happens today, for example (albeit dated); Silence Of The Lambs.
This connection with sexual deviancy is what most of us would like to distance ourselves from; particularly transsexual persons, who's motivation usually has absolutely nothing to do with sex.
Something I like to point out to feminists, is that we often share a common goal of wanting to end the sexualization of women and their clothing as objects. If we could achieve that, I believe transvestism would be instantly erased, and all our lives made easier.
MJ | |||
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Your post is spot on Marie.
Another reason for the recent distancing from the evolving transvestite term is the pathologising by (and I use the term loosely) 'Drs' Zucker and Blanchard who are part of the Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders Work Group (Zucker is the chair!) for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)soon to be published. They are working to define transvestites as autogynephiliacs and are tying transvestism to paraphilias (perversions).Their goal is to get the term into the upcoming DSM. Hence the term has taken on a more fetishistic (de)meaning, thanks in part to their efforts. Once you are diagnosed with a "disorder" regardless of what type, it's almost impossible to overcome.
Huggles, Chrissy | |||
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Thanks Chrissy!
I think it's a mistake to lose the term transvestite as a distintion, because I see it as an important difference for crossdressers who neither dress for sexual thrill, nor wish to change their sex as a transsexual does. I agree, pathologizing of any of this is the greatest problem; if it's not truly hurting anyone, why does it have to be declared deviant or something that needs to be "cured" ?
BTW, do you think it would be okay for me to copy this post for use on my local group page?
MJ | |||
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Actually, I just realized I can simply link to the topic, so I will just do that. | |||
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I have no problem with labels i am who i am and know who i am. No matter what in this world there will always be labels to those who do not fit the normal way of life. people will call you what ever they want and thats the way it is in this world today. Some will treat you with respect, others will cut you down. i am happy with me and accept those who accept me. Those who don't i ignore them. | |||
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very nice , you did your home work well | |||
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thank you but still not sure between two spirited and cd ill have to study it more when i have time | |||
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Wow, this is very comprehensive. Clearly this took a lot of work, research and must have taken a lot of your time. Kudos! | |||
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quote MJputergurl: I've actually not read this since I've been back until today, but I also liked it very much. I agree with Violet in that one of the best things it brings forward is that there is no hierarchy amongst the different categories. Any one of them is not a pre-cursor to the next, and it's a huge misjudgement about motivation to assume much of anything applies from one to the next. I believe this is one of the greatest reasons why so many transfolk dislike "transgender" as a term, because it lumps us all together and disrespects the wide differences in motivation amongst each of us. Television and media like using "transgender" because it's a convenient buzzword that avoids saying anything about sex, but it always seems to lead cisgender people to make grossly inaccurate statements such as "all transgender people want SRS"; which is something I once heard on Dr. Oz, as well as from a well-meaning lesbian woman in our local Pride group. As an example, such a statement would make it much more difficult for a crossdresser to explain to their spouse that they do not necessarily want to get surgery, or live as a woman, or change their sexuality. It is also a source for the animosity some transsexual people incorrectly foist on CD or TV folk. Our fight should not be with each other, it should be with the misperceptions cisgender media and society often have about us. I'd like to add something about the perceived negativity about "transvestite" as a term. It's more clinical use, is as a descriptor for someone who's primary motivation for dressing comes from the fact they receive sexual gratification from wearing the clothing of the opposite sex. It is frequently fetishistic, in other words the person commonly has a particular sexual attachment to certain articles of clothing, such as pantyhose or corsets. Those of a transvestite nature typically remove the clothes almost immediately after achieving sexual gratification. This is as opposed to a crossdressing person, who's primary motivation is commonly NOT based on sexual gratification; though it would also be wrong to say that a crossdressing person who has sexual feelings while dressed must also be a transvestite. There are (at least) two reasons why "transvestite" often has a negative connotation. Please remember these are not my personal views or of anybody here, they are just some ways you might consider the term impacts people. The first is that women's clothing is commonly sexualized in our culture, and those who exploit this purely for their own sexual gratification purposes are often considered to be appropriating femininity and exploiting women in general. I have heard some feminists go so far as to claim this makes it " by proxy" of women. Again though, this should not be confused for having sexual feelings while dressed in womens clothes, it's about where the primary motivation comes from. Secondly, we live in a sex negative society, and our media often portrays any unusual sexual behavior as deviant and dangerous. That's why one of the most common portrayals of transgender persons in film were first as psychos and killers. It still happens today, for example (albeit dated); Silence Of The Lambs. This connection with sexual deviancy is what most of us would like to distance ourselves from; particularly transsexual persons, who's motivation usually has absolutely nothing to do with sex. Something I like to point out to feminists, is that we often share a common goal of wanting to end the sexualization of women and their clothing as objects. If we could achieve that, I believe transvestism would be instantly erased, and all our lives made easier. MJ MJ, that was equally enlightening to me since I was of the perception that "transgender" was a term that was well recieved by the community - i.e. "LGBT" term is used by my company to help promote diversity and inclusion. So, in an effort to avoid offending people, what is the accepted term? OMG, I so hate labels but I guess we have to use something? How about "Human Being" - I really like that one.
BTW, I am a member of the company's D&I team and also listed as a LGBT Business Ally (there it is again) and recently walked in the local Pride parade with both of my sons. |
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