The terms transvestite and transsexual are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Transvestites are comfortable with their biological sex and may dress in clothes associated with the opposite sex, while transsexuals believe they should be the opposite sex and may undergo hormone therapy or surgery. Crossdressing is not necessarily an indicator of homosexuality. Gender is a social construct, and traditional gender roles are being challenged. Transgender individuals have more freedom to express themselves than in the past.
In the complicated redefinition of gender and sexuality, the terminology has become confusing and easy to abuse. Transvestite and transsexual are two terms often used interchangeably, although many people suggest that this is a misidentification. There are a number of differences between those who identify as one or the other, although the exact definitions can vary from person to person.
One of the main differences concerns gender identification. Gender, according to many experts, is a social rather than a biological definition. Social structures regarding male and female roles are what define gender, rather than the anatomical and scientific definitions that define a person’s sex. Essentially, the clothes someone wears, the beauty products they use, and even the types of activities they enjoy can be described in terms of gender.
Transvestites and transsexuals usually have different ideas about gender identification. Transvestites usually show no discomfort with their biologically determined sex. Crossdressing men want to be men; transvestite women want to be women. Many transvestites choose to adopt habits of dress or appearance of the opposite sex, while retaining all the physical characteristics of their gender.
Conversely, transsexuals believe they should be or really are of the opposite sex. A transsexual may take action to make chemical or anatomical alterations to their body to be more like their desired sex. Hormonal supplements, such as estrogen and testosterone, are often used by transsexuals to cause chemical changes, such as hair growth and altered vocal range. Some may choose to have reassignment surgery that makes the body look more like that of the opposite sex. Many transsexuals live their public lives as the opposite sex, preferring to be seen as the sex they wish to be, rather than as biologically determined.
It is often suggested that cross-dressing, as seen in transvestites, is a clear indicator of homosexual orientation. This is not true at all, even though some transvestites are gay. Crossdressing or dragging can be done for any number of reasons, including for personal enjoyment, artistic performance, or to make a political or social statement about gender roles or social rules.
One major difference between transvestites and transsexuals is the extent to which their transgender activities pervade their lifestyles. Usually, those who have undergone reassignment surgery will openly and consistently live as their chosen sex. Transvestites often confine their transgender activities to specific parts of their lives, remaining in traditional gender roles most of the time.
Since the rise of the women’s rights and gay rights movements, traditional gender roles have been challenged by many societies. In some cultures, gender roles are much less specific, and those who exhibit physical or emotional traits of both are often considered to be shamanic or possessing special powers. While transgender activities and choices often remain misunderstood and despised in Western society, the extent to which individuals can express their thoughts and preferences is considerably greater than in the past.
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