Transgender Glossary and Terminology
Labels are misleading.
This is very important.
The transgender world encompasses a whole range of genders, sexualities, and in-betweens. There are several terms used when referring to transgender topics, but the meaning of those terms is fluid and changes from person to person.
Here, I have attempted to give loose definitions but also to point out the connotations of each. These are my opinions and may differ from others.
Underdressing, Under-crossdressing:
Wearing undergarments or intimate apparel normally associated with the opposite sex under one's own usual apparel. For some men, this is as far as they want to go and they don't feel any need to go further.
This phenomenon can almost be considered as separate from regular crossdressing.
The thought of meeting clients or peers while secretly wearing feminine items underneath, unknown to anyone but themselves, is especially delicious to them, but they otherwise may not feel any emotions or feelings of being feminine inside.
Furthermore, it's something that can be done everyday.
Crossdresser:
Someone who wears apparel and accessories normally associated with the opposite sex.
This term has connotations of someone who crossdresses partially or fully as a hobby (perhaps a very important hobby), but may not necessarily have feelings of being feminine or behave in a feminine way.
Some people crossdress without any associated behavioural changes, they act just like themselves.
It tends to refer to the physical actions and not to emotional or mental states. Abbreviated as CD.
Transgender:
Someone who acts in a gender which is different from the sex they were born with.
This is a wide, encompassing umbrella term to cover all the other definitions. It also the most politically correct term. If you're not sure of the proper word to describe a person, use transgender. Unfortunately, this may not be very infomative since it can mean many things. Abbreviated as TG.
Transvestite:
Someone who crossdresses for erotic or fantasy-related reasons.
Historically, I believe this term was used to describe the "medical condition". However, as society has progressed, it is no longer a "condition", but unfortunately, the negative connotations remain. It can also refer to the physical actions and not to emotional or mental states. Abbreviated as TV.
Transexual, Transsexual:
Someone who has become, or who intends to become, a member of the opposite sex or gender.
The first stage in this, and thus the defining boundary, is the prescription of hormones. The effects and side effects of hormones are usually irreversible, and thus it represents a point of no return.
Although having said that, one does not necessarily have to "go all the way" just because they've taken hormones.
It can also be prefix-ed by pre-, post-, or non- to describe a transsexual who hasn't had the operation, who has had the operation, or who won't have the operation, respectively. Abbreviated as TS.
Tranny:
Depending on who you talk to, this is an abbreviated version of either transgender or transsexual. Be sure the other party is using the same definition of this term as you are, to avoid misunderstandings.
M2F:
Male to female.
F2M:
Female to male. Yes, there are f2m transgenders and transsexuals out there. You're just not perceptive enough to see them.
GG:
Genetic girl, a female who was biologically born female.
TGirl:
A short form of transgender girl, mainly to distinguish from genetic girls.
Sometimes used to indicate non-transsexual transgender girls.
Ladyboy:
Historically, a Thai m2f transgender or transsexual person. However, the term has since been widened to include persons of asian descent or appearance, not just those from Thailand.
Kathoey:
A close synonym to thai ladyboys.
So, which one am I? Well, as I said, labels are deceptive. The least misleading term to describe me is transgender, but that is very general and not very useful.
I've been referred to before as a crossdresser, but I'm more than just that.
I've been referred to before as a transvestite, but again, I'm more than just that.
I've been referred to before as transgendered. Perhaps, but that can mean anything.
I've been referred to before as a transsexual, usually by lay people or new acquaintances.
This is fair enough, since to anyone who doesn't know me closely, I may as well be. Socially, I interact as a transsexual, and there's no difference until the bedroom. But I'm not really a transsexual, honest.
I sometimes have this thought at the back of my mind in response to people who think I'm a transsexual: "If I'm not a transsexual and you think I am, then if I was really a transsexual, you really wouldn't be able to pick me out, would you?"
I've been referred to before as a ladyboy. Well, actually, a person in a club asked me once if I was a ladyman. Close enough.
So, which one am I?
*shrugs*
You decide. It's all the same to me.
Comments
terminology
Written by mimivogue on 2006-03-08 11:14:15
Cassie I loved your succcinct summary of terms , very sensible, very clear and very fair and I agree wholeheartedly. In the end, its not a science, just a jostling of competing theories and speculations played out on the shifting sands of politics - not a dictionary of immutable truth.
I can't help but feel that a compassionate respect for another person's own self understanding is a basic courtesy in any civilized society (whether in religion, race, sexuality or gender) and you do much to promote that basic human dignity with your thoughtful comments.
xxxx
Wishing you every success.
Mimi