Transgenderism is a variation on gender norms, and may be understood as a form of gender nonconformity. Transgenderism, or Transgendered is a broad, relatively new term that includes people who live part of their lives as other than their birth gender, transsexuals, intersexed people, and cross-dressers. Linguistically, trans means to move across, and sex defines oneÆs reproductive physical construction. Put together, the two words mean to cross from one sex to another. However, this definition does not fully describe transgenderism; a more accurate definition would be that transgenderism describes people who belong to both, or neither, male and/or female genders. A transgenderist is someone who does not conform to the dominant cultureÆs understanding of appropriate gender roles, behaviors and appearance. Generally, the term is not considered to mean homosexuality. A transsexual may be heterosexual. A transgender male-to-female may be a lesbian or a heterosexual. A transgender female-to-male may be heterosexual or gay. There can be both gender and sexual orientation non-conformity involved. In any case, sexual identity involves how people see themselves and many transgendered people feel as if they are trapped in the body of an alien gender. This paper will explore the various definitions and implications of transgenderism.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) considers transgenderism a gender identity disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders states that adults with Gender Identity Disorder are governed by a consuming desire to lead their lives as a member of the opposite sex in every respect. They experience a great deal of discomfort when they are required to act in accordance with social expectations of their biological sex.
In adolescents and adults, the disturbance is manifested by symptoms such as a stated desire to be the other sex, frequent passing as the other sex, desire to live or...