Tranny Fest 2001: Background
Informationy
kiki whitlock*
TRANSGENDER OUTLOOK
by kiki whitlock*
Transgender is an
"umbrella" term which describes different types of gender identities
or gender expressions. There are male-to-female and female-to-male transgender
persons. Some of the following categories are major groups within the
transgender scope. Transgender refers to gender identity or gender role
(Who am I? Do I feel feminine, masculine, etc.?), whereas gay/lesbian,
bisexual, straight, and asexual refer to sexual orientation (i.e., same,
both, opposite, or neither sex romantic attraction). Everyone has both
a gender identity and a sexual orientation. A transgender person could
be gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, or asexual.
Major Types of Transgendered (TG) Persons or
Roles
A. TRANSSEXUAL (TS): A transsexual person identifies and desires
to be the other sex. Preoperative (before surgery) transsexual persons
usually live "24/7" (full time) in the gender role in which
they identify and most often take hormones of the gender in which they
identify to change their secondary sex characteristics (i.e., smooth soft
skin, more fat less muscle). Postoperative (after surgery) transsexual
persons live "24/7" in the gender role of their choice, take
hormones, and have gender confirmation surgery (GCS) to change the anatomical
genitalia (penis or vagina) from one to the other.
B. TRANSGENDERIST: A person who lives "24/7" in the
gender of her or his choice without wanting gender confirmation surgery.
Some transgenderists consider themselves non-operative in status. Even
some transgenderists consider themselves non-operative who might choose
to take hormones.
C. CROSSDRESSER (TRANSVESTITE, CD or TV): A person who dresses
in the attire of the other sex usually for sexual/erotic gratification
or personal satisfaction.
D. DRAG: Generally, a gay, lesbian or bisexual identified person
who crossdresses for functional purposes such as, social gatherings (parties),
sex work, or personal satisfaction. Within recent years it has become
a fad even for some straight persons to do drag.
E. FEMALE OR MALE IMPERSONATOR: A person with any sexual orientation
or gender identity who performs a show or act by imitating someone usually
through crossdressing. Many of these performers are career professionals
who lip-sync, dance, or act a role by imitating a famous star.
F. GENDER BENDER: A person who sometimes expresses various types
of gender roles or identities different from her or his anatomical sex.
Major Issues Involved in a Transgender Lifestyle
A. SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE and/or rejection from society; coping with
potential harassment; issues of public accommodation (i.e., ladies vs.
mens restroom issues); anonymity concerns.
B. PSYCHOLOGICAL - coming out; building self-esteem and confidence;
giving and receiving emotional support with family and friends; one-to-one
counseling and TG support groups with peers.
C. FINANCIAL/ECONOMICS - high medical expenses for hormone therapy,
psychosocial evaluation, and genital reassignment surgery; survival and
employment issues.
D. POLITICAL/LEGAL - transgender community empowerment and unity;
employment, health care, and housing discrimination; change of name, ID
and birth certificate.
* Copyright February 1996 by Kiki Whitlock
Transgender Educator/Advocate, San Francisco, CA
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