Have you ever felt misunderstood?
Sadly, there’s a lot of ignorance out there! That’s why in this blog post, I want to debunk common myths about crossdressers and transgender women.
Let’s start with one of the biggest misconceptions that’s unfortunately still hanging around:
Myth: Transgender women, crossdressers, and drag queens are all the same.
While all these are valid ways of expressing one’s gender, they represent distinct groups, and it’s important not to use these terms interchangeably.
To clarify, here’s how the GLAAD Media Reference Guide defines some common transgender terms:
- Transgender women – People who were assigned male at birth but who identify as women. Many transgender women are prescribed hormones or undergo surgery, but transgender identity is not dependent upon medical procedures.
- Crossdressers – Men, typically heterosexual men, who occasionally wear clothes, makeup, and accessories associated with women. This activity is a form of gender expression and is not done for entertainment purposes. Crossdressers do not wish to permanently change their sex or live full-time as women.
- Drag queens – Men, typically gay men, who dress like women for the purpose of entertainment.
- Gender non-conforming – A term used to describe some people whose gender expression is different from conventional expectations of masculinity and femininity. The term is not a synonym for transgender or transsexual and should only be used if someone self-identifies as gender non-conforming.
- Non-binary and/or genderqueer – Terms used by some people who experience their gender identity and/or gender expression as falling outside the categories of male and female. The term is not a synonym for transgender and should only be used if someone self-identifies as non-binary and/or genderqueer.
Now that the record has been set straight, let’s look at some of the most common myths about crossdressers and transgender women.
7 Myths About Transgender Women
- Being transgender is a choice.
- Transgender people are gay.
- Transgender women aren’t “real” women.
- Your sex is defined by your chromosomes and/or hormones.
- You have to have surgery to be a “real” transgender person.
- You aren’t transgender until you start hormone therapy.
- Kids and teens are too young to know if they’re really transgender.
7 Myths About Crossdressers
- Crossdressers are gay.
- Crossdressers are perverts.
- Crossdressing is a psychological problem.
- Crossdressing can be cured.
- Crossdressers want to change their sex.
- Crossdressing is a destructive addiction.
- Crossdressers can’t be good husbands or fathers.
Have you heard any of these myths before? They’re frustrating and hurtful, aren’t they? It’s time for the world to wake up and realize this truth:
Your gender is who you are on the inside. There are countless ways to express your gender, and all are completely valid!
To help spread this truth, check out these excellent resources from GLAAD below. They’re a great way to increase awareness about transgender issues.
Recommended Resources from GLAAD
Now let’s hear from you…
What’s the truth that YOU’D like to set straight? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
I love myself as as cd, my wife supports me and I feel great when I dress.
If people don’t like it maybe they should totter down to the bingo hall.
i am a crossdresser in closet have being all my life i am married with kids my wife found out we dont want to talk about it , i have to stay that way or leave my home with no where to go.
well i agree with some of these transwomen to have put up with ignorance of who or what you are going have those who want argue or try make something outta nothing your a person like everybody else stand up for you’re right’s/yes i crossdress but don’t consider myself crossdresser more like mixed gender since have both people in one body while outside is male inner person is female and feminine I’d like transition but can’t afford it nor can i find right doctor including person im living with doesn’t believe I’m female enough only wanting be one
I’m a trans woman and I like both men and women. Coming out with confidence was the most freeing thing I’ve ever done! My wife and I are still married (25 years!!) and she’s my biggest defender. Iinitially it was hard for people to undestand because of their preconceptions and ignorance. But, I’ve found when my wife and I go out and we get questioned it’s an opportunity to educate people. I can’t stress enough that confidence is key. Taking pride in your appearance is second. If you look like a stereotype, sadly you’ll be treated like one. It doesn’t always go well, but we can’t help who we are. We can’t help who we love. I choose not to let others bias interfere with my life, love and happiness!!
I am a transgender woman and my favorite myth that I get on everybody’s case about is when they ask me “so if your trans and you like guys then your gay” no that is not true at all. First off it shouldn’t matter what sex you like and second if your a trans woman and you like guys then in my personal opinion you are technically straight. Same thing if your a trans guy and you like women. That’s how i personally feel anyways.
Hi Madison – you are so right! I’m also a trans woman, and being attracted to men and them to me seems so natural. I love going out on a date with a guy who treats me like a lady. So much fun! Here is a dress I got today for a date I have with a real nice man tomorrow. Being retired makes everything so easy now!
Suzy Q, as usual you look so cute, girl. LOVED the dress.
T.J.
Es malo tomar pastillas anticonceptivas para hacer crecer los senos? Soy una travesti de 62 años y quiero tener senos propios
Do not take that is dangerous at your age. Get informed with a specialist.
Try to Google the subject. They have much to say. Here is one of many links on the topic:
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/hormones/oral-contraceptives-fact-sheet
Finally some one said it right im MTF Trans and ya soem ppl mock the T hurt like a bleep .Finally some one said it right its ok to be trans.Pre op post op are 2 different thing yet some ppl still think hrt and surgery does not make me a woman i feel i am glad for this site.
I am a Trans woman and I am not taking HRT.
I was given titties at puberty and am enjoying them more and more as I continue my journey. Being 60yrs old definitely has an advantage for women, as your T levels drop considerably as we age and is really helping with my Breast growth. I have just begun to take PM again in hopes of adding 1 cup size to my breasts, going to a full B cup would just titillate me !