Transvestites

Nicolette Weeke

= ** Transvestites ** = Transvestitism can be a broad concept that encompasses a variety of meanings. Drag queen, cross-dresser, and transgender are all terms that are related to forms of transvestitism. In general, a transvestite describes an individual who cross-dresses or wears clothing that society traditionally associates with the opposite sex (Bentler, 1970). Therefore, a transvestite refers to a man who dresses in women’s clothing or a woman who dresses in men’s attire. Transvestites can be both male and female, but the practice is usually more prevalent among men today (Bullough, 1997).
 * Background: **

Before the 20th century women were actually more frequent cross-dressers. Women’s motivation for cross-dressing in these times was usually more related to achieving a sense of freedom rather than sexual urge (Bullough, 1997) Reasons for cross-dressing could be economic or political freedom. This form of transvestitism is displayed in the Disney movie //Mulan.// A young woman, Mulan impersonates a man in order to fight in the Chinese army. Overall, in today’s society transvestites more commonly refer to men though.

For some transvestites cross-dressing may begin at an early age, while for others it may not start until adulthood. Depending on when the cross-dressing starts, transvestites can be considered early-onset transvestites or late-onset transvestites (Doorn, 1994). In many cases transvestites begin cross-dressing before the age of ten (Doorn, 1994). For most, cross-dressing begins at a young age, increases at puberty, and then finally stabilizes in adulthood (Bullough, 1997).

There are a variety of reasons transvestites cross-dress as well. Some transvestites cross-dress as a fetish, while for others cross-dressing is a form of gender identification (Doorn, 1994). For many transvestites, wearing opposite sex clothing may be a sexual fetish that allows sexual release. Other transvestites may be men who view themselves as women or women who view themselves as men. Another group of transvestites cross-dress because they appreciate and want to imitate the opposite sex (Doorn, 1994).

Transvestitism is not associated with one particular sexual orientation. Transvestites can be heterosexual, bisexual, homosexual, or not sexually active at all (Bullough, 1997). Studies show that a majority of transvestites are heterosexual though (Bullough, 1997). Many heterosexual transvestites may even be married and have families (Bullough, 1997).

** Categories of Transvestites ** There are various groups of transvestites which show different characteristics and follow different practices. Three forms of transvestitism include drag queens or kings, transsexuals, and femmiphiles (Bentler, 1970). Drag queens refer to male transvestites who wear women’s clothing and are typically homosexual (Bentler, 1970). Drag kings are women who dress in men’s clothing. Drag queens and kings often work as performance artists who dress in drag to  provide a form of entertainment. Transsexuals are another group related to transvestites. These transvestites feel that the gender they were born with is not appropriate for them, and they see themselves as the opposite gender (Benter, 1970). These individuals do not fulfill typical gender roles, and they believe that when they cross-dress their true gender identity is being portrayed. Most transsexuals will seek a sex change surgery, so they can become the gender they view themselves as (Bentler, 1970). The last group of transvestites is femmiphiles. Femmiphiles are heterosexual males who enjoy wearing women’s clothing (Bentler, 1970). These men view themselves as the correct gender but have a fetish for dressing in women’s clothing. Many femmiphiles are obsessive-compulsive, and for them wearing women’s clothes is compulsive in nature, and these men’s fantasies are obsessive in nature (Bentler, 1970). Transvestites in this category are often married to women. ** Stages of Transvestitism ** Other theories of transvestitism can also be described depending on far it progresses through five stages. Transvestites in the first stage are considered in the development phase and have not actual begun to cross-dress yet but have thoughts of it (Doorn, 1994). Second stage transvestites cross-dress but only do so in private, while third stage transvestites are more public about cross-dressing and also begin to question their gender identity (Doorn, 1994). In the third stage, transvestites may take on a name of the opposite sex (Doorn, 1994). Fourth stage transvestites progressively view themselves more as the opposite gender, and lastly fifth stage transvestites live full time in their cross-gender role (Doorn, 1994). Transvestites in the fifth stage often have sex change operations (Doorn, 1994).

** Social Aspects and Communication ** Cross-dressing is considered taboo in many cultures, therefore many transvestites may find it difficult to fit in and communicate with the rest of the world. Members of society may shun and ostracize transvestites for the practice of cross-dressing, which can leave these individuals feeling alone in the world. Since transvestites make up a relatively small proportion of the population, it can be difficult for them to find others like them who they can relate and talk to. Many transvestites fear being caught because the prejudice against them. Bullough (1997) explains that 93% of transvestites fear being caught cross-dressing.

The internet has helped to alleviate many communication issues transvestites faced, by enabling transvestites all across the world to communicate with one another. A French-speaking website called //Le coin des copines- “//girlfriends’ corner” is one website that allows transvestites to connect with and meet other transvestites (Planchenault, 2010). This website has had 1.3 million visitors, and it allows members to introduce themselves and initiate correspondence and possibly future meetings (Planchenault, 2010). Transvestites affiliated with the sight claim it helps to build a sense of community and a feeling of belonging. Interaction among male transvestites on the website usually involves feminine talk and politeness, showing that the members communicate through cross-gender identities (Planchenault, 2010).

Another virtual community formed by transvestites is the Brazilian Crossdresser Club. The club allows secret transvestites to find friendship, support, and a place for open communication (Primo, 2000). This website allows these stigmatized individuals to communicate without feeling judged. The website’s members include transvestites, transgender, transsexuals, cross dressers, and supportive others such as spouses or other family members (Primo, 2000). This website allows transvestites to communicate through sharing experiences and expressing fantasies (Primo, 2000). Through internet websites like these and others, transvestites can assume their cross-gender identity without fear of judgment. The internet has allowed transvestites to reach out to others without fear of repercussions.

** References ** Bentler, P.M., Sherman, R.W., & Prince, C. (1970). Personality Characteristics of Male Transvestites. //Journal of Clinical Psychology,// 26 (3), 287-291. Bullough, B., Bullough, V. (1997). Are Transvestites Necessarily Heterosexual?. //Archives of Sexual Behavior,// 26 (1), 1-12. Doorn, C.D., Poortinga, J. (1994). Cross-Gender Identity in Transvestites and Male Transexuals. //Archives of Sexual Behavior//, 23 (2), 185-201. EddieIzzard [Image]. (2003). Retrieved 10 April, 2011, from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:EddieIzzard17Oct2003.jpg Planchenault, G. (2010). Virtual Community and Politeness: The use of female markers of identity and solidarity in a transvestites’ website. //Journal of Politeness Research//, 6, 83- 103. Primo, A.F., Pereira, V.A., & Frietas, A. (2000). Brazilian Crossdresser Club. //Cyber Psychology & Behavior,// 3(2), 287-296.