Introduction to Transgendereds and Transsexuals

Transgendered persons exemplify the fluidity of gender and complexity of sexuality. Transgendered individuals assume a different gender identity than that which corresponds to their physiological sex. They are men who live as women, women who live as men, and individuals who shift between genders. Transgendered persons often face a greater social stigma than their gay peers. Transgenderism is often misunderstood. Others may perceive a transgendered person as not fully masculine or feminine because they retain mannerisms and physical characteristics of their biological sex. For example, a transgendered women may retain a deeper voice and Adam's apple that many ascribe as masculine. Transgenderism is also commonly mistaken for transvestitism (dressing in the clothes of another gender). Transgendered persons do not merely changes their clothes. Many transgendered individuals feel a deep, and often life-long, psychological commitment to their assumed gender.

Transsexuals are individuals who have surgically altered their bodies to match their assumed gender identity. An article on penile reform discusses gender reassignment surgeries. Transgendered and transsexual persons typically shift genders in adulthood, meaning that friends, family, and coworkers must adjust to the individual's new gender identity. The article Second Serve chronicles Renee Richard's adjustment period before and after gender reassignment surgery.

Transgendereds and transsexuals can also exist in an awkward legal and social limbo. Some places do not recognize the ability of a person to change their gender or sex; others will permit altering a person's legal identification only after gender reassignment surgery. Even everyday concerns such as which restroom to use at work or a restaurant are burdened by legal and social constraints. California's efforts to aid nondiscrimination of transgendered persons are highlighted in this chapter.

By defining gender as more than the sum of genetics and genitals, and challenging social stereotypes, transgendered individuals profoundly question our assumptions of both gender and sexuality. However, questioning traditionally defined gender identities is not free of controversy.