Transsexual ? Transgender?

Question

HelloDoes "transsexual" describe a person who has undergone a medical operation to change sex or simply a person who wants to act like opposite sex but no physical changeHow about "transgender"?What's their difference.Thank you

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Did you try your dictionary?

Transsexual: A person who desires or has achieved transsexualism (by having a *** change operation, etc.). A transsexual is different from a transvestite who is a person who masquerades by dressing in the clothing of the opposite *** (cross-dressing).

transgender adj. Transsexual.

Kenny1999 · Answer

So do you mean "transvestite" is a person who only dresses as an opposite *** but might not have any ideas or desires about changing ***? he/she might be just simply a job or social act?

If someone likes to dress up as an opposite ***, is "transsexual" a better description?

Thank!s!!!

Khoff · Answer

There's an interesting (and pretty thorough) discussion of these terms here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender#Transgender_vs._transsexual

In current usage, "transgender" is a broader term than "transsexual." "Transsexual" is generally used for someone who has undergone surgery to change their body, while "transgender" also includes those who identify as the "other" *** but have not had surgical intervention. (although I learned in the Wikipedia that Christine Jorgenson, who would be called a transsexual according to this definition, preferred the term "transgender" because it emphasizes that the transition is about gender identity, not sexuality.) "Transgender" is probably better as a general term to use if you are not sure of the preference, or medical history, of the person involved. (Of course, if you are discussing a specific person you could ask them what term they prefer. Ask about pronouns, too, while you're at it!)

Transsexual ? Transgender?

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