I actually disagree with some of the comments made so far
Crossdresser is a fairly gently word and is not as harsh as Transvestite
The majority of the public if asked would say they are both the same
and would most likely mix them up with transexuals too
I can remember when Gay was a word used for fun and happiness and was not used for to describe homosexual people
At one time Punk Rockers had a bad name but they were some of the nicest people you can meet
Language evolves over time and who knows in the future we may have a different description or the public will be better informed and not be so quick to jump to the wrong conclusions
