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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.
1.
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.
2.
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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