HELP Me Somebody...what seperates a cross dresser, from a Tranny??

[Shayla99]

There seems to be a lot of/ some?? grey area I read definitions and some times the lines seem quite blurred......Is it about sexual activity? Is it about orientation? The desire to change sex? Having boobs added??
Even google image, will give you a pretty blurred spectrum, of false ladies, and woahMEN!! I can't define myself even, or seem to fit both criteria, and neither at times!!??
I guess I am me first off, and where ever I get classified is more for the benefit of others. It;s still just a label? And Me defines what I am more than any other word BUT???? Still opinions wanted here gals!! :)

WHAT AM I?? If someone were to ask me, I want to not misrepresent myself, or that group!!

[Cheryl T]

WHAT AM I?? If someone were to ask me, I want to not misrepresent myself, or that group!!

Worry about who you are instead of What. If you as a person are good and honest then why worry about labels? Let others waste their time placing you in a category...I'd rather spend my time shopping for new shoes.

[sissystephanie]

If by tranny you mean a Transvestite, then you are a crossdresser who dresses primaryily for the purpose of having sex with a partmer who is the same sex as you!! On the other hand if by tranny you means a Transgendered person, then since you are a crossdresser you are Transgendered! A Transgendered person likes to dress in the clothing of the opposite sex!! Nothing more and nothing less!

But as Cheryl said, worry about who you are, not what labels are applied!!

[Shayla99]

Worry about who you are instead of What. If you as a person are good and honest then why worry about labels? Let others waste their time placing you in a category...I'd rather spend my time shopping for new shoes.

Well, then you ain't seen my shoe closet!!!

But take a dating service, I want to honestly represent what I am, So for the benefit of others, they can get an idea who I am, (As I figure it out I'll let ya know?) as it evolves and changes, it's hard to even define my boundaries...and I'm being honest here, witha coulpe drinks,....what's a boundary?!
SO going forward, Its just interesting to see, the onion unravel, and hard to define, when every layer unveils a new wonderful set of pantys...ooops (fruedian)a new set of decisions, and choices.

ALSO, is dating a cross dresser, the same as dating a guy??
Does that also change with physical contact, and where does it become homosexual, I mean at this point I'm no longer scared of the answers...So I am asking you to be my shrinks???
I am actually quite fine with Shayla, almost in love with her, yet I still love my male persona, and have no desire to transition.... (???Yet)
Even thinking about becoming more open about myself with some good friends....But again.....Hey guys, I'm a _______? That would help.

[ReineD]

WHAT AM I?? If someone were to ask me, I want to not misrepresent myself, or that group!!

If it's someone that has noticed you do cross the gender boundaries, and you are not particularly close to them or you don't feel like getting into a long, involved conversation, you can simply say you are transgender. This term encompasses a wide spectrum of definitions. If they're interested in knowing more, they can ask and the conversation can flow from there.

If you meet a potential love interest and you want to share who you are with them, then I'd skip the labels and I'd just let them know how you feel and what you want for yourself. Explain your sexual preferences, what type of body is your ideal, how you feel about gender presentation, etc. If you absolutely need a label and you can't determine whether you are a CD, TS, or someplace in between, again just say you are transgender since this is the overall umbrella term for anyone who crosses gender lines.

[Shayla99]

If by tranny you mean a Transvestite, then you are a crossdresser who dresses primaryily for the purpose of having sex with a partmer who is the same sex as you!! On the other hand if by tranny you means a Transgendered person, then since you are a crossdresser you are Transgendered! A Transgendered person likes to dress in the clothing of the opposite sex!! Nothing more and nothing less!

But as Cheryl said, worry about who you are, not what labels are applied!!

Okay, that clears things up a bit?
So but if as Shayla, I went to a bar, had a cocktail or 4...and made out with a boy/male???
Or with another , hot cross dresser..... or witha tranny.... You see...I am not trying to be funny.
Or even as Shayla, to be witha woma?.... it seems, going from the house bedroom closet, and out into the world presents a whole new series of challenges, even as far as , who am I looking to connect with?
Another bad relationship with a stripper?? Naw... a fellow CDer??

Someone hot come make out with me!!!!
....and when I do go out as Shayla, I'm making out with someone!!!

[Shayla99]

If it's someone that has noticed you do cross the gender boundaries, and you are not particularly close to them or you don't feel like getting into a long, involved conversation, you can simply say you are transgender. This term encompasses a wide spectrum of definitions. If they're interested in knowing more, they can ask and the conversation can flow from there.

If you meet a potential love interest and you want to share who you are with them, then I'd skip the labels and I'd just let them know how you feel and what you want for yourself. Explain your sexual preferences, what type of body is your ideal, how you feel about gender presentation, etc. If you absolutely need a label and you can't determine whether you are a CD, TS, or someplace in between, again just say you are transgender since this is the overall umbrella term for anyone who crosses gender lines.

Wow, so cool, kinda what I thought, but still thank you so much!! ITS ALL EXCITING AND CONFUSING???

I also am concerned a little about, "letting the genie out" , u cant get it back in....and crossing my own boundaries, because I haven't yet defined them.....and doing something I might regret?? But I rarely regret anything that had to do with sexuality, it's the best reason to be alive in many ways, beats TV, and a book!!

[kellycan27]

I know what you mean. I am not a crossdresser....really. Or a tranny. Or a transexual. I am not even lying to my SO every day and going out driving at night or wanting to go shopping dressed. I don't have a flicker page full of half naked lingerie photos and no matter what I am wearing I don't fancy men.

Oh I do wear women's clothing now and then because it gives me a buzz. But....That's all.
So yeah I know what you mean.

if you wear clothing of the opposite sex.. everyday or once a month, out in public or in your closet........ you're a cross dresser. The fact that you don't do the things that you seem to consider typical of cross dressers, and you may sit at home on the couch with your legs crossed and your hand folded in your lap just makes you a more subdued cross dresser, but a cross dresser...none the less. :heehee: Own it. there's no shame in it.

[NicoleScott]

HELP Me Somebody...what seperates a cross dresser, from a Tranny??

Have you tried a crowbar?

[Shayla99]

HELP Me Somebody...what seperates a cross dresser, from a Tranny??

Have you tried a crowbar?

LOL. yea I tried that, they were too stuck together, and I couldn't wake the tranny up!!!

[Carol A]

I am a happy crossdresser, I dress everyday and live most times as a women but I have no interest in men or haveing sex with one.
Just a guy who loves dressing as a women

[abigailf]

Here is my perspective:

Cross Dresser: Steven Tyler
Drag Queen: RuPaul
Transvestite: Dr. FrankNFuter (from Rocky Horror)
Transsexual: Me

Hope this helps.

[Kaz]

I really get worried by all the labels, because they represent someone else's categorisation and what this is based on is not agreed or generally accepted.

I like to wear women's clothes... not all the time. I certainly do not want to present at work in this form, though I may 'under-dress', i.e. I wear women's underwear... this may sound strange to many people, but there you go.

I like my 'male' self, but I do fantasise about what it would be like to be female, and if someone asked me to choose I'd probably go for what I haven't already experienced... but then I may regret it!

So I am not looking for GRS (sex-change), or transitioning (living full-time as a woman), I just want to be me.

Am I a CD? I am here because the very nice people on this forum give me insights into my 'condition', whatever that is, and help me through.

I like to 'transform' into a good looking woman... I call her Kaz... she is not another person, she is me... and when she stops looking good, I will probably let her die, because I will probably not want to be her anymore... but I don't know that yet... and this site helps me figure these things out.

I do not want to be in a box... boxes are for collectors... and I don't want to be collected... I want to be free to be me...

[Shayla99]

I really get worried by all the labels, because they represent someone else's categorisation and what this is based on is not agreed or generally accepted.

I like to wear women's clothes... not all the time. I certainly do not want to present at work in this form, though I may 'under-dress', i.e. I wear women's underwear... this may sound strange to many people, but there you go.

I like my 'male' self, but I do fantasise about what it would be like to be female, and if someone asked me to choose I'd probably go for what I haven't already experienced... but then I may regret it!

So I am not looking for GRS (sex-change), or transitioning (living full-time as a woman), I just want to be me.

Am I a CD? I am here because the very nice people on this forum give me insights into my 'condition', whatever that is, and help me through.

I like to 'transform' into a good looking woman... I call her Kaz... she is not another person, she is me... and when she stops looking good, I will probably let her die, because I will probably not want to be her anymore... but I don't know that yet... and this site helps me figure these things out.

I do not want to be in a box... boxes are for collectors... and I don't want to be collected... I want to be free to be me...

You know I feel pretty much the same, it's for other people that I want clarity, I guess for myslef too...
I was in a relationship (bad ) FOR 6 YEARS!!
Now, being single I am trying to define what I am looking for, and with whom I should be looking for it??
So definitions are simply a tool, so that I can say , this is what I am?? At this point, I am just looking for a partner, who wants to have fun, bend the rules, role play, and finds that boundaries are not obstacles, more just goals, that we can hurtle by in the arms of ectasy!?
That should.t be aproblem!? Right!!!

I think I come with a "freak " disclaimer, but that really falls short of describing what I want!!! After all freaks can like a lot of weird things!! Even to me!

[Aprilrain]

Is it about sexual activity?
Is it about orientation?
The desire to change sex?
Having boobs added??
false ladies, and woahMEN!!
WHAT AM I??

NO NO and NO!!! it is not about sexual activity or sexual orientation never was never will be!!!

IF you have the NEED to change sex then you will likely stop at nothing to do so most people in this position would define themselves as a transsexual.
sticking boobs on a man doesn't change his gender identity and I would say any MAN with boobs is going to feel rather uncomfortable being a man with boobs.

False Ladies??? and woahman??? these are new terms on me and sound rather offensive.

what are you? well unless you are a shaved monkey I'd say you are a human!

[kellycan27]

OOPS! I forgot to answer the OP's question. The answer is.............. 2 years.:battingeyelashes:

[Miss Maxine]

Tranny is anything trans. That's why I like the word. It applies to all of us. I don't have to worry about whether I'm transexual, trangender, or transatlantic. I am Maxine: I am a tranny.

[Ann Thomas]

I went through the same questioning myself a few years ago. I tried to meet people just to see if I was like them or not.

First I met a transsexual (male to female) and realized that wasn't me. Why? because I like to be a guy sometimes and woman most of the time, and I'm not in favor of chopping things off (my legs are crossed right now). I don't feel like it's true expression of ME to become fully the other sex. I just feel both.

Next I met a crossdresser (Eddie Izzard, who in his standup - Dress to Kill, I think - goes into defining a transvestite.) I really like Eddie, and I know I'd get along well with him if we became friends. He's apparently changing his image, though, and it's probably something to do with his political aspirations. I don't feel I could possibly just abandon being female for anything. But, most importantly, what he is, is not ME.

Finally, I saw a news article on a guy named Stu that was mayor of a small town in Oregon. Something resonated right away with what I read, so I viewed every video I could find of him, as well as read his web pages and all news articles I could find. He'd grown boobs and/or had implants, he dressed female, he kept his male-ish sounding voice, he apparently did not have SRS. He was simply HIMSELF. That really, really resonated with me. Here was someone willing to kind of ride the fence and be both male and female. He described himself in one interview as being transgendered. Ever since, that's what I've called myself.

Since then I've become a little more defined by adding lesbian to the front of the label for myself, if the person hearing really needs to know. Why? Because I like women - always have, always will.

Hope that helps!

Hugs,
Ann

[cassandra54]

there's two different issues here i think. dressing like a woman may make you attracted to men, but if you are attracted to men, i think you could be whether or not you are dressed. if you've never been with a man before, then that is a safe way to start. i think being dressed and being with a man at the same time creates an entirely different level. take it one step at a time.
dating a crossdresser is dating a man. period. you will probably find it very hard to find and date a woman who is into crossdressers, although you may find a woman who tolerates it or maybe even accepts it. perhaps you might find a woman who would want to be intimate while you are dressed, but i wouldn't bet on it, unless you are into bdsm or d and s, once again it takes things to a different level.
and it's true, if you dress in women's clothes, you are a crossdresser, if you're a crossdresser, then you are considered transgender. nothing wrong with that. like the old saying goes, "to thine own self be true"

[Shayla99]

NO NO and NO!!! it is not about sexual activity or sexual orientation never was never will be!!!

IF you have the NEED to change sex then you will likely stop at nothing to do so most people in this position would define themselves as a transsexual.
sticking boobs on a man doesn't change his gender identity and I would say any MAN with boobs is going to feel rather uncomfortable being a man with boobs.

False Ladies??? and woahman??? these are new terms on me and sound rather offensive.

what are you? well unless you are a shaved monkey I'd say you are a human!

I was being playful, I am included in this grouping so I certainly wasn't trying to be offensive, there are plenty of pics of me on here, to show you I am included in whatever term ya wanna use, if I offended you I am sorry, again was just having fun!!

[Michelle.M]

OOPS! I forgot to answer the OP's question. The answer is.............. 2 years.:battingeyelashes:

...what seperates a cross dresser, from a Tranny??

That's what I was thinking. Last time I asked that question the answer was a punchline . . "Three years and $30,000."

[Karren H]

The firewall.... Assuming you engines in the front!! God I hate that term. And I hate it worse that we call ourselves derogatory labels!! Just plain ignorant.

[Sophie86]

WHAT AM I?? If someone were to ask me, I want to not misrepresent myself, or that group!!

I agree with those who have said that 'transgender' is your best bet.


If by tranny you mean a Transvestite, then you are a crossdresser who dresses primaryily for the purpose of having sex with a partmer who is the same sex as you!!

No, that is certainly not the case. That is not how the term transvestite is used by the majority of people. In fact, I've never heard it used that way.

[Debb]

If you're looking for a label to use to make it easy to explain to others the basics of how you feel, "crossdresser" or "tranny" would probably work ... most people have an idea of what a crossdresser is, stereotypically.

The stereotype will only get you so far, though. You'll have to be ready to explain more in-depth how you feel about stuff ... and that's where the introspection helps.

[sissystephanie]

Shayla, if you "make out" with someone who is the same sex as you while you are dressed as Shayla, then you are a Transvestite!! That is the only label that would apply!! That is assuming that you are really a male!!

Sophie, the definition that I used is the one normally used by doctors or therapists. It is a definition that has been recognized around the world for many years!

[Sophie86]

Sophie, the definition that I used is the one normally used by doctors or therapists. It is a definition that has been recognized around the world for many years!

Go here (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/transvestite) and scroll through the definitions. Not one of them defines a transvestite as one who engages in homosexual sex while crossdressed. Only two of the definitions even mention sexual activity, and one them explicitly says that transvestites may be heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual.

And then there is this from the Encyclopedia Britannica:


transvestism

practice of wearing the clothes of the opposite sex (cross-dressing), generally to derive some kind of sexual pleasure. It is often mistakenly associated with homosexuality; in fact, however, transvestites may be either heterosexual or homosexual, and the practice of cross-dressing is sometimes even ridiculed among homosexuals. The transvestite must also be distinguished from the transsexual, who desires to become a functioning member of the opposite sex; most transvestites are men who comfortably fill male roles in society and are satisfied with their biological sex. Transsexuals, both male and female, are uncomfortable with their sex and are usually required to cross-dress for an extended period before they undergo surgery. That most transvestites are men is at least in part a result of the role of fashion in Western culture; in the mid-to-late 20th century Western women wearing trousers and other clothes once considered to be exclusively men's clothes are not seen as deviant. (Source (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/transvestism?qsrc=2446). Scroll to the bottom.)

[Ellyn]

HELP Me Somebody...what seperates a cross dresser, from a Tranny??

Have you tried a crowbar?

A pail of ice cold water might work just as well.

[lalajulep]

-Transgendered= an umbrella term for anyone who goes outside of what society deems to be gender appropriate. It's a bad, outdated term where a man putting on lipstick could be transgendered. Also applies to 'genderqueer' individuals who choose to not be labeled "male" or "female".

-Transvestite= a person who puts on the clothing and grooming techniques of the opposite gender in order to fully disguise themselves as this gender. Trans"vest"ite. You put on a vest. Stupid, but true.

-Transsexual= a person who undergoes medical procedures in order to live as the other gender.

*"tranny" (IMHO) is a rather offensive term and it usually applies to transvestite prostitutes.

*people are labeled these things, but it's up to the individual to choose. Transvestites might get plastic surgery to look more maculine/feminine but not identify as transsexual because that's not their perception.

(Sorry...gender studies major >>)

[Elizabeth Ann]

If by tranny you mean a Transvestite, then you are a crossdresser who dresses primaryily for the purpose of having sex with a partmer who is the same sex as you!!



No, that is certainly not the case. That is not how the term transvestite is used by the majority of people. In fact, I've never heard it used that way.


Shayla, if you "make out" with someone who is the same sex as you while you are dressed as Shayla, then you are a Transvestite!! That is the only label that would apply!! That is assuming that you are really a male!!

Sophie, the definition that I used is the one normally used by doctors or therapists. It is a definition that has been recognized around the world for many years!


Go here (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/transvestite) and scroll through the definitions. Not one of them defines a transvestite as one who engages in homosexual sex while crossdressed. Only two of the definitions even mention sexual activity, and one them explicitly says that transvestites may be heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual.

And then there is this from the Encyclopedia Britannica:

A word in defense of Transvestite. This has come up before, and many here have tried to point out to Sissystephanie that she is the only person who uses this definition. No one agrees with her about this, and yet she persists. I don't know why.


-Transvestite= a person who puts on the clothing and grooming techniques of the opposite gender in order to fully disguise themselves as this gender. Trans"vest"ite. You put on a vest. Stupid, but true.


Actually, the etymology of the term is this: transvestite
"person with a strong desire to dress in clothing of the opposite sex," 1922, from Ger. Transvestit (1910), coined from L. trans- "across" + vestire "to dress, to clothe" (see wear). Shortened form trannie first recorded 1983 (in 1960s this was used as a slang shortening of transistor radio). Transvestism is first attested 1928.

Nothing to do with vests. Like many others here, I believe it is synonymous with crossdressing. Personally, I just like the sound of the word. I think it flows in a more melodic fashion than the awkward conjunction of cross and dressing.

Liz

[NicoleScott]

OK, here it is.
Transvestite: a term universally accepted as a person who wears clothes normally associated with the opposite sex, synonymous with crossdresser, unless you are Sissystephanie, in which case if you do it for the purpose of engaging in homosexual activity (while dressed) you are a transvestite but not a crossdresser.

I hope that clears things up.

[suchacutie]

IMHO, if you want to represent yourself honestly, jargon words will never be successful. We have had threads that go on for months trying to define all the words one might use to "define" us, and it always ends up in a muddle because there are no standard definitions. You'll just have to use more words with fewer syllables. You know who you are, really, so just say it!

If by chance you don't really understand who you are, that would need to be worked out first, but stay with the small generic words :)

tina

[jillleanne]

Good heavens girl, you are gender enhanced and that's it. When you start attaching labels to yourself, you increase the confusion in your own mind. What happens if/when you increase your fem side? Do you announce to the world you are no longer 'x', but now, 'y'? And when do you realize this, some Friday morning while having coffee? Do yourself a big favor and save your brain cells for better thoughts. If someone asks you 'what' you are because they need a label to attach to you, tell them you are gender enhanced, meaning you enjoy expressing your fem side when the occasion rises. Could be once a month in a closet, or daily and out to the world. If they need more info, tell them to email Karen Hutton( giggles ).

[DonniDarkness]

Does it matter if your having fun?

You know in your heart who you are..... let everyone else figure out how to deal with it.

The term tranny can be seen as offensive. Some GG's use that term as a derogatory comment about another GG. Be careful using that word in public. Say TG or Trans.

Most people here have thick enough skin to handle it, but you could get yourself into real trouble using that word out and about.

-Donni-

[Jorja]

If it's someone that has noticed you do cross the gender boundaries, and you are not particularly close to them or you don't feel like getting into a long, involved conversation, you can simply say you are transgender. This term encompasses a wide spectrum of definitions. If they're interested in knowing more, they can ask and the conversation can flow from there.

If you meet a potential love interest and you want to share who you are with them, then I'd skip the labels and I'd just let them know how you feel and what you want for yourself. Explain your sexual preferences, what type of body is your ideal, how you feel about gender presentation, etc. If you absolutely need a label and you can't determine whether you are a CD, TS, or someplace in between, again just say you are transgender since this is the overall umbrella term for anyone who crosses gender lines.

OMG, this could never work in a million years!

It is imprinted in every male gene to lie and be extremely secretive about who and what they are and like. A man cannot just come out at the very beginning of a relationship and say, this is me. This is what I like. No, not to a female anyhow and he would never ever tell the guys about these girly feelings and desires. He must pump out his chest and flex his biceps. He must be the great protector. He must be the great provider. I am sorry, I hope you all can tell I am being scarcastic.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone just sat down with a potential love interest and was open and honest from the very beginning? Imagine how many marriages could be saved. Imagine all the fear, hate, and frustration that could be avoided. Imagine all the important problems that could be solved if time and energy wasn't being wasted on silly relationship issues. Ok, out of my warped little mind and back to your own disasters with your own lables. :)

What seperates a crossdresser from a tranny? Your mind and your understanding of what a crossdresser and a tranny are. Oh, please let the genie out of that bottle. As of June 1,2011, it is against the law to keep genies in bottles. Genies have rights too you know. :)

[Miss Maxine]

*"tranny" (IMHO) is a rather offensive term and it usually applies to transvestite prostitutes.



A tranny is a tranny. A tranny prostitute is a tranny prostitute. A tranny by any other name would smell as sweet.

[ReineD]

OMG, this could never work in a million years!

It is imprinted in every male gene to lie and be extremely secretive about who and what they are and like. A man cannot just come out at the very beginning of a relationship and say, this is me. This is what I like. No, not to a female anyhow and he would never ever tell the guys about these girly feelings and desires. He must pump out his chest and flex his biceps. He must be the great protector. He must be the great provider. I am sorry, I hope you all can tell I am being scarcastic.

LOL. I hear what you're saying, but .. ahem ... I imagine you and I are not that far apart in age? Things are much more relaxed among younger people. They really are. I'm not saying that all GGs in their 20s will embrace the CDing, just there are a great deal more that are open to it than the women of our generation. Just have a look at the new GG intro thread and you will see how many are supportive from the onset. When I wrote the post above, I assumed the OP is closer to her 20s than our age. :p

Also, I used the term "love interest", but the OP could use this approach to explain herself to friends. :)


A tranny is a tranny. A tranny prostitute is a tranny prostitute. A tranny by any other name would smell as sweet.

Maxine, the term "tranny" is offensive to transsexuals and bigenders and I imagine to some CDs too, when it is applied to the community as a whole. It does connote reasons for CDing that are more sexual or fetishistic. The term "tranny-chaser" is pejorative as well. Another offensive term is "*******".

[Miss Maxine]

Maxine, the term "tranny" is offensive to transsexuals and bigenders and I imagine to some CDs too, when it is applied to the community as a whole. It does connote reasons for CDing that are more sexual or fetishistic. The term "tranny-chaser" is pejorative as well. Another offensive term is "*******".
Any word can be offensive, if you allow it to be. What's a fag?

[Toni Citara]

Nothing sexier than a Transylvania Transvestite! LOL



Here is my perspective:

Cross Dresser: Steven Tyler
Drag Queen: RuPaul
Transvestite: Dr. FrankNFuter (from Rocky Horror)
Transsexual: Me

Hope this helps.

[ReineD]

What's a fag?

A cigarette in the UK?

Seriously, I would not use the word "fag" to describe someone who is homosexual, just as I wouldn't use any ethnic slurs.

[Vickie_CDTV]

Stephanie, one thing to remember is back in the day, when you were about my age or even younger, TV was used exclusively in professional literature and the (few) community publications of the day. Virginia Prince, Tri-ess (and its precursors) used TV and they were exclusively heterosexual. Virginia did try to introduce a few new terms for TV (I always kind of liked "femmiphile" if we really needed a replacement), but I mean goodness, her magazine was called "Transvestia".

As for "tranny", I always assumed it was short for TS and possibly TV; I always think of it as "trans" with a wildcard ("trans*") like on a command line or back in the old days of DOS, "Wow, you trans* have such fabulous clothes!", or "A lot of trans* go to that place". And, "tranny" only has two syllables, instead of 3 for TV TS TG, making it faster to say. (Ok that is nitpicky but hey what can I say)

Shayla, I would take it slow and think carefully before you do something you may regret or feel bad about later. If you decide to go back to GGs later, your past involvement with other trans people is something you may end up having to explain to them (and possible rejection that may come with it.)

[carhill2mn]

"Trannie" is a slang term derived from "transvstite". Transvestite was the term used for many years to describe a man who wore women's clothes. Over time it came to be used in a more derogatory manner in some areas. Many years ago some people who were very active and instrumental in the transvestite community tried to introduce other terms that they felt were less
derogatory and carried less "baggage" than the word Transvestite. Most did not "catch on". "Crossdresser" did finally come into more general use in the United States. Europe and most of the rest of the world still use "Transvestite" instead of "crossdresser".

[Miss Maxine]

-*"tranny" (IMHO) is a rather offensive term and it usually applies to transvestite prostitutes.



I am a tranny. Do you assume I'm a prostitute?

[ReineD]

I am a tranny. Do you assume I'm a prostitute?

Google "tranny". Other than the first Wikipedia link, it appears in conjunction with "*******" on tons of CD porn sites. So, yes, this is likely why some members equate it to prostitution ... since porn stars engage in sex for money just like prostitutes.

You can call yourself whatever you wish, but if you use "tranny" then don't be surprised if some people make assumptions about you based on the only place they've seen the term used. As I mentioned earlier, the term is offensive to transsexuals or members who express femininity for more than sexual reasons, precisely because of it's association with the porn industry.

So, please don't make an issue of this here. It is what it is. Just google it. :p

[Miss Maxine]

Google "tranny". Other than the first Wikipedia link, it appears in conjunction with "*******" on tons of CD porn sites. So, yes, this is likely why some members equate it to prostitution ... since porn stars engage in sex for money just like prostitutes.

You can call yourself whatever you wish, but if you use "tranny" then don't be surprised if some people make assumptions about you based on the only place they've seen the term used. As I mentioned earlier, the term is offensive to transsexuals or members who express femininity for more than sexual reasons, precisely because of it's association with the porn industry.

So, please don't make an issue of this here. It is what it is. Just google it. :p

So, we've come to depend on Google's explanations for things? What do you think I get when I type in "fag," or "coon," or "bunghole?" All I'm saying is that words are only as meaningful as we allow them to be. If we allow ourselves to be offended by certain words, people will use them to offend us. I am a tranny and there is nothing wrong with it. If other people choose to make uneducated and unfair assumptions about me, based on a word with a loose meaning, the last thing I should do is encourage the acceptance of the derogatory definition by reacting with obvious offense, to it.

[Kaitlyn Michele]

Maxine you are way off base..

Go ahead and grasp at straws, but your troll is showing..

[Miss Maxine]

Maxine you are way off base..

Go ahead and grasp at straws, but your troll is showing..

Very well. Argue amongst yourselves about who is more "right." I will continue to accept everyone, regardless of what they call themselves. I just don't understand why we need to call each other names. Calling me a troll negates the whole point of this thread.

[*Vanessa*]

Tranny is slang for PreOp transsexuals (period) and as mentioned before google it and check the images.

There is so so much talk around these terms here in River City. At best all the terms; CD, Crossdresser, Transvestite, Transgender, Transsexual are in a state of flux and one that is evolving.

The best review of all the terms coming to use via Wikipedia. Please do yourself a favour and read this article it's not that long. Also note that a few points need editing, if you have the means your input is welcomed to make it the best possible resource to anyone wanting more information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender#Transvestite

v.

[ReineD]

It's a circular argument. Yes, definitions are valuable if you want to explain to someone who you are. At the same time, for some unknown reason, many people in this community insist on having their own personal definitions of the same terms, despite what is generally accepted everywhere else. And the arguments about this are endless.

And yes, I know, when I say "everywhere else", someone will come in and PROVE that that on some obscure site or in some one-line dictionary reference, there is a definition that is different or ambiguous. *sigh*.

For a while I had hoped that as a community we could at least come to some basic understanding of general terms including the terms that are offensive to a segment of people here. It's not that complicated, really. We're only talking about half a dozen terms or so. But I guess it's just not going to happen. And yes, members do give up and ask why we need labels anyway, just because they can't get others to agree to their own particular usage or they can't see why some of the terms are offensive.

I do know that Google is not the ultimate reference. My point was about general usage, and when someone googles "tranny", they are in fact served porn sites.

[LeaP]

God I hate that term. And I hate it worse that we call ourselves derogatory labels!! Just plain ignorant.

I completely agree.

Lea

[LeaP]

God I hate that term. And I hate it worse that we call ourselves derogatory labels!! Just plain ignorant.

I completely agree.

Lea

[Kaitlyn Michele]

Very well. Argue amongst yourselves about who is more "right." I will continue to accept everyone, regardless of what they call themselves. I just don't understand why we need to call each other names. Calling me a troll negates the whole point of this thread.

QUOTE=Miss Maxine;2610062]Very well. Argue amongst yourselves about who is more "right." I will continue to accept everyone, regardless of what they call themselves. I just don't understand why we need to call each other names. Calling me a troll negates the whole point of this thread.[/QUOTE]


who am i not accepting?? I accept you as a tranny...i think you have a good attitude about yourself, and i'm glad for you..

I don't totally hate that word,
but you will find that word to have negative things associated with it..(unfairly)... and people have said it offends them... the appropriate response to that is "sorry, i didn't view it as offensive.."...thats all you need to say..

but you said C--n, and f-g, bunghole (bunghole?) and started to argue semantics... that = troll. I forgive you.

[Miss Maxine]

QUOTE=Miss Maxine;2610062]but you said C--n, and f-g, bunghole (bunghole?) and started to argue semantics... that = troll. I forgive you.

This is my concern. You've taken such offense to words with ambiguous meanings. I am expressing my concern for these type of perceptions/responses. A coon is a raccoon. A fag is a cigarrette. A bunghole is part of a wine barrel. However, you assigned different, derogatory meanings to the words, and insulted me for using them. Would you respond similarly to someone if they told you they were "going outside to smoke a fag."? That type of response would result in an unfortunate misunderstanding. I feel like that happens far too often, on this forum. I just wish that some folks used a little more tact, in order to avoid arguments and hurting the feelings of our forum sisters.

[Torrey]

Have you tried a crowbar?

OMG...laughing my you-know-what off...

I think it's fair to add that Maxine, in her wonderful way, is trying to illustrate how words can be turned into slang which can hurt. It is done by the illiterate & ignorant. I'm not sure there is an answer to the original question of the OP. How does one separate the two terms? We have done so for ourselves. As those carrying the banner for transgenderism, as it were, we are the ones to educate the great unwashed.

In my first "interrogation" with friends about what I am, I quietly corrected a young lady on the term "tranny," simply by saying, "We prefer the term 'cross dresser.'" In doing so, I was able to quickly and nicely put that word on the shelf. As I have become more educated by the girls here, I am less bothered by it.

The bottom line is you are what you define yourself as...

[*Vanessa*]

HELP Me Somebody...what separates a cross dresser, from a Tranny??

In this case a comma.

[RachelPortugal]

Etymology Shayla, just etymology. Crossdresser and transvestite are Germanic and Latin rooted word meaning the same thing!

[GingerLeigh]

I thought a "tranny" was something that crapped out in my first new car! A GM product by the way...grumble grumble... Oh yeah... you mean that kind of tranny. I thought transvestite and crossdresser were the same thing, no? What separates them? There's a stigma attached to the word "transvestite" I guess. Crossdresser is more a euphemism for the same thing which is simply one who wears the clothing intended for the opposite sex.

Ginger

[Kaitlyn Michele]

Maxine ..... i knew what you meant..everybody knew what you meant..

Nobody in the united states would ask me about smoking a fag..

anyway,
you are taking troll in a negative sense, i meant it in a positive way...

[*Vanessa*]

Nobody in the united states would ask me about smoking a fag..


I don't know about that :)

Smoking a fag or anyone for that matter, could easily mean beating up as in fist-fight. #JustSaying

[Tina B.]

If you really need a label, how about HUMAN. For the rest, explain yourself as needed.
Tina B.

[Miss Maxine]

Maxine ..... i knew what you meant..everybody knew what you meant..

Nobody in the united states would ask me about smoking a fag..

anyway,
you are taking troll in a negative sense, i meant it in a positive way...

Oops...apparently I am guilty of my own accusations. Please explain the troll comment. I always understood trolls to be ugly monsters...even the troll dolls are ugly, with their brightly colored pointy hair and bejeweled belly buttons.

[Jorja]

Oops...apparently I am guilty of my own accusations. Please explain the troll comment. I always understood trolls to be ugly monsters...even the troll dolls are ugly, with their brightly colored pointy hair and bejeweled belly buttons.

Gasp!!!! How dare you call my babies (Troll Dolls) ugly!!!!!! :tongueout

[t-girlxsophie]

the Atlantic ocean,I think we here in the UK are more used to being described as Transvestites ,I have no shame about being described as a Transvestite (and i dont dress for sex with guys,nor do I get off from dressing) Indeed Eddie Izzard Always calls himself a Transvestite,there is no ambiguity about him,and he's not ashamed to describe himself as such.Tranny is another matter,and I can see how it can offend as It is most often used as a derogatory term for us,but I have heard other Girls call each other Trannys.Personally I try not to use it much these days.

One thing this site can be is educational,I now know what a Bunghole is :D
Sophie

[Elizabeth Ann]

One thing this site can be is educational,I now know what a Bunghole is :D
Sophie

"To what base uses we may return, Horatio! Why may
not imagination trace the noble dust of Alexander,
till he find it stopping a bung-hole?"

Hamlet: act 5, scene 1

Liz

[Jorja]

One thing this site can be is educational,I now know what a Bunghole is :D
Sophie

Actually a bunghole is an opening in a barrel where a bung is placed to seal it tight. ;)

[Miss Maxine]

Gasp!!!! How dare you call my babies (Troll Dolls) ugly!!!!!! :tongueout

It could have been worse...I coulda called them trannies. (They never seemed clearly male or female) Eek!