Transvestism and transsexualism

Transvestism and transsexualism are complex and much-misunderstood topics. Here, TheSite aims to provide a basic introduction.

There is considerable prejudice displayed towards people who cross-dress or feel unhappy with their gender. It's all too easy to look for psychological disorders as a way of making sense of the issue, when the fact is there is a whole spectrum of gender and sexuality out there, and not just the fixed narrow roles to which most conform.

Here are some of the most common terms and definitions people use when discussing transvestism and transsexualism:

• Gender identity: This is how people see themselves in terms of 'masculinity' and 'femininity'. These ideas are mostly shaped by the culture we live in. Gender identity is not the same thing as sexuality.

• Transgender: Anyone who does not fit into the traditional male-female gender patterns of society.

• Cross-dresser: Someone who wears the clothes as the opposite sex. It is done for a number of different reasons, and you should never assume that a cross-dresser is gay, bisexual or lesbian - many are heterosexual. Cross-dressers often have no desire to change their physical sex.

• Transvestism: A form of cross-dressing, with the desire to adopt the clothes, appearance and behaviour associated with the opposite sex (for more info, contact the Beaumont Society. See below for details).

• Gender dysphoria: This is a medical term for feeling unhappy with your current gender (masculinity/femininity), which is in conflict with your physical sex. Many of us have mild feelings like this from time to time, but some people can be tormented by gender dysphoria for years on end.

• Transsexualism: This is a strong feeling of gender dysphoria, where the person may say they are 'trapped in the body of the wrong sex'. A small proportion of transsexuals have sex reassignment surgery (a 'sex change' operation). Transexual people can now be legally recognised in their acquired gender. Under The Gender Recognition Act 2004, they will be able to apply for a gender recognition certificate. If they are successful, they can marry, retire and get a state pension in their acquired gender, and get a new birth certificate.

• Intersexuality: This is where a person's physical sex is not clearly male or female. It has many causes, including chromosome syndromes or hormone imbalances. There can be a degree of gender dysphoria with it, but not always. The medical name for the condition is 'hermaphroditism', but many see this as an insulting term.

For more help, support and information, contact one of the organisations in the next steps box.