Transgendered OR Transsexual

Hi All,

SO generally, you might notice that I refrain from using the term "transsexual", as a way in which to identify myself, and the condition that is acquainted with gender dysphoria. Wikipedia will tell us that the term "transgender" relates to more than medically diagnosed gender conditions, including a variety of individuals, behaviors, and groups involving tendencies to diverge from the normative gender roles.

In Australia, the term is used(as shown predominately by the media) to identify ONLY those who are medically treated, and does not include any other groups in this term, such as those of fetish origins, or transvestic motivations. And so I follow suit with this, as it is important that transgendered people are found separate of anything that is associated with fetish, or transvetic expression.

I favour this term because it gives a certain polarity, and contrast to the situation that is not found in the using of the term "transsexual". For example, cisgenderism, is used in contrast to transgenderism. And also, unlike the terms TS, the term TG relates to a condition, and not the actions taken to alleviate, as is described when using the term "transsexual".

I also use another term for identification of the condition, which is "transitionally-gendered". This term for me reflects the matter of 'transition', in contrast to 'genetic' gender.

Overall, I especially do not use the word "transsexual", due to the stigma attached to it in pragmatic English. When a person of no gender-consideration approaches the word 'transsexual', they usually are met with the idea that the word somehow implies "sexual action". And so will think of a person who identifies as transsexual, to be a perverted man in a dress.

To finalize, I do believe that if transgenderism is ever going to be accepted socially, that it needs dearly to be defined from anything of a sexual, or fetish nature. And as the term does describe a person who has undergone SRS surgery, or will undergo SRS surgery, and bypasses the fact of the condition, I do find it overall derogatory to the progress of recognition of the condition in all levels of community, and abroad. And so, I do not use it.

Signing off, Much Love, Lea