What is the transgendered lifestyle?

Once differentiated into distinct groups, the Transgendered Community is now know to include a spectrum of lifestyle solutions for those who feel a discordance between their genetic sex and their preferred gender. As one prominent Transgendered member aptly describes the difference, "sex is between your legs, but gender is between your ears". With that in mind, here is a brief introduction to some of the Community's lifestyle solutions:

The Crossdresser (CD) is a person who, at some level, feels a personality trait not always associated with his/her genetic sex. CD's address these feelings by periodically adopting clothing and demeanor different from their ordinary gender role. The typically heterosexual CD has no desire to permanently alter his/her
physical appearance, and seeks only occasional expression of a (typically) unseen part of their personality.

The Transsexual (TS) likely feels S/he has always had a mind of the sex opposite from his/her genetic sex. In fact, the term "brain sex" is now favored by medical and mental health professionals to describe the inner-most feeling regarding one's sexual identity. Professionals now recognize the futility of efforts to
reconcile the TS' brain sex with their genetic sex through psychotherapy. As a result, the TS seeks hormone therapy and Sexual Reassignment Surgery (SRS) to permanently correct nature's mistake finally bringing his/her anatomic sex into agreement with his/her brain sex.

Like the TS, the Transgenderist (TG) dresses and lives in a gender role different from that which his/her genetic sex might indicate. And, the TG often seeks hormone therapy to assist in this new role. but, unlike the TS, the TG does not desire SRS to "become" a member of the opposite sex. The TG lifestyle is now recognized as perfectly viable, fitting in the transgendered spectrum somewhere between that of the CD and the TS.

The Female Impersonator (FI, sometimes referred to as the Drag Queen) is primarily and entertainer. FI's may be transgendered or simply skilled male actors who are likely comfortable with their genetic sex. Talent, not gender preference, is the main issue for the FI in her quest for the professional entertainment spotlight.
 

Why do transgendered people feel this way?

Current medical theory embraces the concept that a combination of hormonal and environmental influences causes an individual to develop transgendered feelings. It is thought that a delicate balance of hormones, tipped slightly one way versus the other during early growth, combines with external factors, such as family atmosphere in developmental years, to contribute to the personality traits of the CD/TS/TG individual. These persons share the need for outward expression of their preferred gender in some combination of the above ways. In any event, these feelings are, as a rule, very deep- seated and can likely never be changed.
 

Just how do transgendered people feel?

People that are transgendered share a strong desire to, at least periodically, dress in the clothes of the opposite sex and to act out or even "live" that role to one extent or another. They have an imperative need to express this substantial part of their personality which often begins at a very early age and lasts throughout life. This expression provides a feeling of relief from stress, a general feeling of well being and even a feeling of exhilaration. It is worthwhile noting that the expression of one's preferred gender has nothing to do with sexual preference. Members of the Transgendered Community may be gay, straight, bisexual or even asexual with the same likelihood as any other segment of society.

Unfortunately, certain elements in our society feel threatened by any departure from so-called "normal" gender roles and often react negatively to members of the community. Some respond by trying to rid themselves of their transgender feelings. But, even the most valiant, outwardly successful efforts to conform to the societal "norm" cannot eclipse such deep-rooted feelings and often result only in frustration and depression.

Fearing ridicule and ostracism from family, society, work and friends, we often go to great lengths to hide our secret life by remaining "closeted". But, hiding  transgender feelings, especially from loved ones, often contributes to further feelings of isolation, guilt and inadequacy.

Obviously, those of us with transgendered feelings have struggles which are very difficult to face alone. Fortunately, in recent years, people that identify as transgendered  are seeking support groups such as Crossroads to help each other develop positive self-image and share experiences, as well as to reach out to others with the same secret feelings.
 

Are transgendered people prevalent in society?

The transgendered group comprises a small percentage of our society (current research suggests that somewhat less than 1% of the population are CD's, with TG's and TS's totaling even fewer). however, we come from all walks of life - husbands and wives, fathers and sons, and mothers and daughters are all represented in our community. We are a proud collection of a wide range of occupations and professions - doctors, lawyers, engineers, businessmen, tradesmen, and clerks. Transgendered feelings know no sexual, social, or economic boundaries.

Like our society in general, Crossroads itself is comprised primarily of CD's. However, we welcome everyone that identifies as transgendered with equal enthusiasm and are proud to include a very representative number of TG's and TS's as well.
 

Are members of both sexes included in the Transgendered Community?

Yes. For example, it is now known that there is roughly an equal number of male- to-female (M2F) and female-to-male (F2M) TS's and TG's. However, their are probably fewer trued CD's who happen to be female than there are those who are male. Since genetic females usually have more freedom to dress as they wish, crossdressing presents fewer problems for them. Women who wear men's clothes often do so for style and are not trying to emulate the total male persona. Most male CD's do try to personify the complete woman from their inner feelings to outer appearances with shoes, wigs, make- up, clothes and undergarments. One reason male CD's so completely identify with their feminine self is society's rigid role model for the male. Men are not permitted to have feminine attitudes, activities or emotions, so have no outlet for a wide range of human expression.