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Over the years, Hirschfeld’s original distinction led him to additional distinctions. For example, he later also coined the term “transsexualism”, and after him others continued research in this field. At any rate, today one recognizes several different groups of persons who wear clothing of the other sex:
- Transvestites (TV) are persons who occasionally, frequently or permanently dress in the clothes of the other sex and also adopt its gestures and mannerisms. However, this behavior does not express a true self-identification with the other sex. On the contrary, while having no doubts about their own femaleness or maleness, transvestites enjoy playing the gender role that contradicts their gender identity. In the case of male transvestites, one may speak of “gynemimesis” (imitation of females); in the case of female transvestites, one may speak of “andromimesis” (imitation of males).
- Fetishistic transvestites (also called transvestophiles) derive some sexual excitement from wearing clothes of the other sex.
- Transsexuals (TS) are persons whose self-identification as females or males is contradicted by their physical sex. They feel uncomfortable in their “wrong” bodies and therefore try to adapt their outward appearance to their innermost conviction. Some of them have also organized as a special minority (see below).
- Intersexuals or intersexes are persons born with some physical irregularity who require medical attention as they grow into adult females and males (see Intersexuality).
In recent decades, the general term “cross-dressing” has become popular, because it simply describes a behavior without implying a habit or a particular motive. Therefore, it can be applied to all the cases mentioned above and also to many others (for example to ceremonial occasions, costume balls, etc.). In contrast, the term “transgender”, while also rather general, implies a conscious divergence from the traditional female and male gender roles. The terms “transgenderism” and “transgenderists” were originally applied to transsexuals who had no interest in sex reassignment surgery (a so-called “sex change”) and preferred to remain “between genders”. Today, the usage has broadened to include any behavior that defies the traditional definitions of femininity and masculinity. Such behavior may be found in many different individuals along a very wide spectrum of variations. It may or may not involve cross dressing, but it will, in some fashion, express the rejection of traditional gender roles.
Finally, please, note: Gender and sexual orientation are independent of each other. Therefore: Nothing is implied here about the sexual orientation of the persons in any of these groups. It may be heterosexual, bisexual, or homosexual.
Transgender symbol
merging the biological signs for female and male
and adding a crossed arrow as a combination of both.
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