Introduction

The term transgender is used to describe a any person bends so-called traditional gender roles. Included would be cross-dressers, transsexuals, drag queens and kings, trans-fenderists and androgynes. 

Trans-people cross over the norms by wearing clothing that is not usually associated with their own sex. In some situations, trans-persons who are truly trans-gendered are able to undergo surgical procedures to become more like the other sex.

Trans-people have always been considered to be part of the GLBT community. And most often they have, sometimes in fashion, sometimes not, but always that simply fabulous part!

Not all trans-people are the same. There are major differences and it is neither fair nor accurate to lump all the trans-people together in a single group.

Transsexuals are people who are not happy with the gender they were "born" with and change their gender roles and bodies in order to live as members of the "other" sex. Surgical procedures, synthesized sex hormones, electrolysis and other medical technologies have made this transition easier in our days. Sex reassignment surgery is also undergone is some cases. The ratio of male-to-female and female-to-male transsexuals is about 50/50.

Cross-dressers wear the clothing of the other sex on certain occasions, but have no desire to change their sex. Their reasons are personal ranging from a need to express their "other" side to wanting a way to express themselves erotically. 

Drag Queens and Drag Kings have the spotlight! They present larger than life images of men and women, exaggerating sexual stereotypes for entertainment or personal gratification.

Androgynes are those trans-people who merge the characteristics of both sexes in ways that are either subtle or shocking.

Inter-sexed or hermaphrodites, are those persons who are born with genitals which show characteristics is both sexes. Many have surgery while they are still infants. Many of those who have had surgery grow up feeling that they have been denied an essential part of themselves.

Being a trans-person is not a matter of sexual orientation. Trans-people can be straight or gay, asexual or bisexual. The bottom line is trans-person's inner feelings of his/her own sexuality. Not all trans-people identify as part of the GLB community but many do. And it is a fact that the general public and anti-gay persons do not consider trans-people as heterosexuals.

A special note: almost all trans-persons and inter-sexed persons grow up with a deep sense of internalized shame. This is not a chosen condition any more than any other sexual diversity. The coming out process can result in loss of support of family, friends and employment.

Anti-trans discrimination is extreme, being even more severe than for GLB persons. Gay bashings are more numerous against trans-people who by their very nature are the most visible within the queer culture.

The same laws that negatively impact the GLB community affect the trans community in the same manner. Without specific trans-inclusive language in legislation, the trans culture can be, and are excluded from protection.

Trans-people provide entertainment, raise money at various benefits and provide a sense of fashion for the queer community. While some GLB persons have major trans issues, many others do not. And some trans-people proudly identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual. Most GLB groups and organizations have included the trans community within their ranks. It is time to realize that trans-people are not strange "others" but just human beings struggling to live with dignity!