There is a lot of confusion surrounding the terms "transgender" and "transsexual." In general, the term "transgender" is an umbrella term that can refer to anyone whose gender identity or gender expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. The term "transsexual," on the other hand, specifically refers to someone who has undergone medical treatment to transition from one biological sex to another.
It's important to note that not all transgender people identify as transsexual, and not all transsexual people identify as transgender. In fact, many people who fall under the transgender umbrella do not identify as either transgender or transsexual.
The main difference between transgender and transsexual is that transgender is a general term that can refer to anyone whose gender identity or gender expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth, while transsexual specifically refers to someone who has undergone medical treatment to transition from one biological sex to another.
Transgender people may identify as male, female, or non-binary (meaning their gender identity is not exclusively male or female). Transsexual people, on the other hand, typically identify as either male or female.
Transgender people may or may not undergo medical treatments to transition from one sex to another. Transsexual people, however, almost always undergo medical treatments to transition from one sex to another.
The most common medical treatment for transsexual people is sex reassignment surgery (SRS), which is also sometimes called gender reassignment surgery (GRS). SRS involves making physical changes to the body, such as altering the genitals, chest, and/or face.
Not all transgender people choose to undergo medical treatments to transition from one sex to another. Some transgender people may choose to transition without undergoing any medical treatments. Others may choose to transition by only undergoing certain medical treatments, such as hormone therapy.
It's important to remember that transgender is an umbrella term that can refer to anyone whose gender identity or gender expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth, while transsexual specifically refers to someone who has undergone medical treatment to transition from one biological sex to another.
What are Transsexuality, Transgender, and Genderqueer?
Transsexuality, transgender, and genderqueer are all terms used to describe individuals who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. Transsexuality is a more specific term used to describe individuals who desire to physically transition to the opposite sex through hormone therapy and/or sex reassignment surgery. Transgender is an umbrella term that can be used to describe anyone who does not identify with their assigned gender, including transsexuals, cross-dressers, androgynous individuals, and genderqueer individuals. Genderqueer is a term used to describe individuals who do not identify as either male or female and may instead identify as both, neither, or a combination of genders.
Transsexuality is a relatively new concept, and the term was first coined in the early 1900s. At that time, doctors and psychologists began to notice that some individuals were uncomfortable with the gender they had been assigned at birth and were instead attracted to the opposite sex. These individuals were often diagnosed with "gender identity disorder" and treated with hormone therapy and/or sex reassignment surgery.
The concept of transgender is also relatively new, and the term was first coined in the early 1990s. At that time, activists began to use the term to describe anyone who did not identify with their assigned gender, including transsexuals, cross-dressers, androgynous individuals, and genderqueer individuals. The term transgender is now used as an umbrella term to describe anyone who does not identify with their assigned gender.
Genderqueer is a term that has been used since the early 1990s to describe individuals who do not identify as either male or female. Genderqueer individuals may instead identify as both, neither, or a combination of genders. The term is often used by people who do not feel comfortable with the traditional gender binary of male and female.
Transsexuality, transgender, and genderqueer are all relatively new concepts, and there is still much debate surrounding these terms. Some people argue that transsexuality and transgender are two separate identities, while others argue that they are part of a continuum. There is also debate surrounding the use of the term "genderqueer." Some people argue that the term is too vague and that it includes too many different identities, while others argue that the term is necessary to describe individuals who do not fit into the traditional gender binary.
The debate surrounding these terms is likely to continue for many years to come. In the meantime, it is important for everyone to be respectful of each other's identities and to use the terms that each individual prefers.