Transvestism (Cross dressing)

Once again, if people are referred to by their first name, the quote came from the interviews I conducted, which will be put in the final blog.

Finally, in the series, come transvestites. Transvestite is defined as a person who wears the clothes of or acts like the opposite sex, but has no desire to transition to the opposite sex (Moelker). This desire can range from very private, to very public.

The majority, 90%, of transvestites are heterosexual males (Melissa). In general, transvestites remain very private, many not even revealing their desire to spouses. However, drag stands out in a sharp contrast. Drag is a “ highly exaggerated mimicking of music or movie stars of the opposite sex.” Usually, drag appears in a gay or lesbian context, and both males and females partake (Moelker).
Some transvestites reject the term, as “transvestic fetishism is a term used in the medical community to refer to one who has a fetish for wearing the clothing of the opposite gender” (Moelker). This is rejected by non-sexual transvestites as it is a derogatory term, and creates false ideas. Gradually, the term 'transvestite' is being replaced by 'cross dresser.'

The association with sexual fetishism is not the only issue transvestites face. As previously mentioned, much of society rests on gender, and the population is very uncomfortable with people who don't fit into traditional roles. This draws slurs and harassment.

However, transvestism is still a more widely publicized topic than other gender deviance. Cici says that she first started thinking about it when she “ watched the Jerry Springer show.” Many reality shows feature transvestites, including RUPaul's “Drag Race,” a top model show where men compete to see who can best impersonate a female. Androgyny in celebrities, especially in music is becoming increasingly popular, starting in the 80's with Boy George and Annie Lennox, and moving on with The Cure, Placebo, My Chemical Romance, A.F.I., Cinema Bizarre, and countless other rock and alternative bands, as well as the Visual Kei movement in Japan. Seth first started wearing makeup partially because of celebrity influences, “ a lot of [his] favorite celebrities were very androgynous males slash drag queens.” This increase in androgynous public figures, as well as new fashions that blur the lines between males and females is making transvestism a more accepted topic, though there is still far to go.

NOTE:
Not all topics of gender deviance are included in these blogs. Not mentioned in depth are genderqueer people, who do not identify as either gender. The reason they are not included is because of a lack of information and studies regarding them.

Works Cited

Melissa, Keri. "Transgender 101. A Brief Introduction to Transgenderism.." North Alabama Gender Center n. pag. Web. 10 Feb 2010. .

Moelker, Wendy. "Transgender, Transsexual, Gender Identity Disorder ." Web4Health. 22 July 2008. Web4Health, Web. 9 Feb 2010. .

Pictures:
http://www.melkweg.nl/mmbase/images/136524/0711_cinema_bizarre2.jpg