Gender Issues for Transvestites and Transgender People

What is a Transvestite?

A Transvestite is an individual who is compelled to wear the clothes of the opposite sex. There are many different reasons for this, but generally each person is unique and so are their reasons for doing so. Examples are stress relief and sexual gratification, however each person is an individual and so are their needs to cross dress. Contrary to popular myth Transvestites/crossdressers are generally heterosexual, and are usually excellent husbands and fathers.

Being a Transvestite/Crossdresser/TV/CD/Tranny is not a disease you can catch!

Transvestites are normal people who have the desire to dress as the opposite sex, they just want to live their lives as normal people do. They are generally hard working people in employment.

It is estimated that 1 in 10 men will dress or have dressed as a woman.

What is a Transsexual?

A transsexual is an individual who in basic terms feels like they are trapped in an alien body. An example would be a female trapped inside the body of man.

The term used by the medical profession for any type of transsexuality is called Gender Dysphoria. For more information on the reasons behind why a person is a transsexual please look at this site www.beaumontsociety.org.uk it contains a more detailed explanation than I can provide here.

Transsexual people are just normal people and should be treated as such; they do not have a disease that you can catch.

Transsexual people are generally heterosexual.

What is a Shemale/Ladyboy?

A shemale/ladyboy are people who want to dress and look like the opposite sex, but retain the sexual genitals of a male, for the purpose of sexual gratification or the fear of surgery. It depends on the individual, each have their own reasons.

Sexuality?

Many people assume that if you dress as the opposite sex that you are a homosexual this simply isn?t true. The majority of Transvestites are heterosexual. Some are gay, some are bisexual, but each individual is different, only by speaking to people and education will the fears and myths be dispelled.

Transvestites and Transsexuals: A Difficult road.

For anyone who is a Transvestite or Transsexual it can be a difficult road. Often they live in fear of being found out, of how they will be perceived by their peers and family. They live in fear of assault, and actual harm. They go through several stages Denial, Expression, Guilt, and Purging. It is often the case due to the whole subject of gender issues being taboo that many do not even understand what is happening to them. What is needed is better education. Many people who are transgender and transvestite suffer from depression, and may from time to time think of suicide. Education is needed, without it many will continue to feel isolated and alone. We all have a responsibility here to accept people for who they are and to offer those in need of it help and advice.

Gender Reassignment/Transition:

A sex change or gender reassignment is a major step for anyone, and our advice is to always seek medical advice from professionals. Speak to your doctor, and he can explain the full process involved.

At the moment there are two routes available in the UK.

They are the NHS Gender Identity Clinic or a private Psychiatrist.

Your GP will refer you to the NHS Gender clinic, if you choose Private you will have to pay everything yourself and it is very costly.

Never Ever take Hormones unless prescribed by a Doctor. There can be serious and dangerous side effects.

Doctors, when prescribing Hormones, will perform blood tests to determine what hormones will work for you. Some hormones cause blood clots, and kidney problems.

Further Advice:

Here we have collected the addresses of some useful sites with information on details on the issues above. I hope that this is of help to you, and that you realise that you are not alone. Good Luck to you, and may you find happiness and self contentment.

The Beaumont Trust

Advice on Transgender Issues

http://www.beaumontsociety.org.uk

The Gender Recognition Panel

Gender recognition certificates,

And applications.

http://www.grp.gov.uk

Transliving International

A voluntary support group that gives advice and support to transvestites, transsexuals, and to their family and friends.

http://www.transliving.co.uk/

Samaritans

Exists to offer emotional support to anyone.

08457 90 90 90

http://www.samaritans.org

London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard

0207 837 7324 --------------------------------------- http://www.tgirlshomeshopping.com

Information on gender related issues that we hope will help. It is not a complete guide, but we hope it will explain and educate. We have also added addresses of other sites and organisations that offer more details. Remember you are not ALONE! http://www.tgirlshomeshopping.com