What is the Difference Between Transgender and Transsexual?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The terms "transgender" and "transsexual" are often used to describe individuals who have a different gender identity to the sex they were assigned at birth. However, there are some differences between the two terms:
- Transgender: This is an umbrella term that describes a person whose gender identity does not match their assigned sex at birth. It includes non-binary individuals and encompasses a wide range of gender expressions and identities. Transgender people may or may not undergo medical treatments, such as hormone therapy or surgery, to align their bodies with their gender identity.
- Transsexual: This term is more specific and refers to a person who physically transitions from one sex to another. It often implies that the individual has undergone or plans to undergo medical treatments, such as hormone therapy or surgery, to alter their anatomy and appearance to more closely align with their gender identity.
Many transgender people do not identify with the term "transsexual" due to its negative associations and the fact that it is considered outdated and less inclusive. The term "transgender" is now more commonly used and promoted in Western societies as the generally accepted term to describe someone whose gender identity does not match their assigned sex at birth. It is essential to allow individuals to self-identify and not assume their gender identity or orientation based on their physical appearance or other factors.
Comparative Table: Transgender vs Transsexual
The main difference between transgender and transsexual lies in the specificity of the terms and the extent to which someone identifies with the sex they were assigned at birth. Here is a table comparing the two terms:
| Term | Definition | Gender Identity | Medical Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transgender | An umbrella term for individuals whose perceived gender differs from their sex assigned at birth. | It can describe a wide range of gender identities and expressions that differ from the sex assigned at birth. | Many transgender people choose to undergo hormone therapy, surgery, or other medical procedures to align their body more closely with their gender identity. |
| Transsexual | A more specific term that fits under the transgender umbrella, often used to communicate that one's experience of gender involves medical changes, such as hormones or surgery, to help alter their anatomy and appearance to more closely align with their gender identity. | Transsexual people feel that they were born with the wrong body and may want to change their physical appearance, body, name, or legal identification marker to convey and affirm their internal experience of gender. | Transsexual individuals typically undergo gender reassignment therapy, which involves a combination of counseling, medications, and surgical procedures to help an individual align their body with their perceived gender. |
It's essential to note that the terms transgender and transsexual can vary from person to person, culture to culture, and across history. Some transgender people may not identify with the term transsexual.
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