The Difference Between Transgender and Transsexual

The ever so controversial topic of someone who is transgender is on the rise due to hit shows such as TRANSform Me which features three gorgeous transgender women (each born as a male). Though both women and men across the globe have been inspired by the hostesses' confident personalities, many still are unclear on what it means to be a transgender individual in the world today.

I'd like to begin by clarifying what a transgender individual is. Many will refer to this verbiage as being an "umbrella" term - meaning, that it covers a variety of individuals who present themselves as a different gender than which they were born with. To further elaborate, this includes those who cross-dress / drag and transsexuals. This does not mean that they have undergone any type of surgical procedures to achieve their appearance.

For example, a man who dresses as a female, yet still has all of his male organs can fall under the transgender category. Another individual who was born a male, but has surgically become a female also fits into the transgender term.

So what is a transsexual then? Good question! Many individuals assume that this term is one and the same. And while it is very close - transgender serves for a broader group (as mentioned above) whereas transsexual generally narrows down into individuals who have undergone a medical transition. This can break down into many things, however the most commonly known are hormones and surgical procedures.

Hormones are a common method which many individuals use for a wide variety of purposes such as deepening of the voice, adding body/facial hair, increasing breast tissue, amongst many others.

I am sure most have heard the term "transvestite" and as with transgender, you may be under the assumption that it is one and the same. However, this is an all too common misinterpretation. The term transvestite is generally used as a slang term for someone who cross-dresses (wears mild to elaborate clothing for the opposite gender). It is taboo among many transgender/transsexual males or females and can be taken as derogatory.

Transitioning from your birth gender, to the opposite can take many years and can even include legal work to make it official. It is a life changing experience and more options are becoming available with each passing year.

While I am not a transgender individual, I respect the courage it takes for many individuals to take the first steps into becoming who they've always felt they were on the inside. It takes a truly amazing person to defy what society may shove into our minds on what it right or wrong and I truly admire the will and inner strength.