Under the TG Umbrella and On the Continuum

Written by Tamera Sheehan

Understanding sets one free!

Why is it hard to know what Transgender means?

Transgender: It is a very complex and complicated term. First, it is often refered to as an ‘Umbrella Term’ because under it all, all Transgender reality and terminology are gathered. Second, this term refers to all those whose gender self identity is not in agreement with his/her biological sex and the gender assigned to him/her by society. Third, Transgender is of misunderstood because many people mistakenly think that ‘Gender’ means the same as ‘Sex’ (Sexual Genitalia) or ‘Sexual Orientation’. But it does not! Let us take a closer look at these three terms and see how they differ. 

Gender: This involves the brain and emotions. It is the Self-Identification and Self-Expression of each individual as he/she see (feels internally/knows mentally0 him/herself to be. It is the role the individual prefers to live. Gender involves what a person knows.

It ‘s foundation is between his/her ears in the brain. This self-understanding may be in agreement or disagreement with the physical, biological sex of the person. This, ‘Gender’ is what makes a person ‘masculine’, feminine, ‘both’ or ‘neither’.

Sexual Genitalia: This involves the X’s and Y’s of biological chromosomal development and the physical genitalia observed at birth. Thus, Sex involves what a person see’s between his/her legs. The presence or absence of physical genitalia makes one either ‘male’, ‘female’, ‘both’ or ‘neither’.

Sexual Orientation: This involves the type of person to whom one feels drawn in order to intimately share one’s life. This might be the ‘opposite sex’, the ‘same sex’, ‘both sexes’ or ‘no sex’.

Different Types of Transgenderism

How many kinds of Transgender are there?

There are probably as many different expressions of Transgender as there are Transgender (Gender Gifted) people. Professionals, however, agree to recognize at least eleven different types. The firsrt three include those who also have additionally Homosexual ‘sexual orientation’ issues. They are:

• Gays: This is a polite term to be used when speaking of male homosexuals. Gays seek same sex (male) partners
• Lesbians: This is a polite term to be used when speaking of female homosexuals. Lesbians seek same sex (female) partners.
• Bisexuals: They are either male or female homosexuals who are attracted to both same sex and opposite sex partners.

Do Gays, Lesbians and Bisexuals belong?

Some would argue that these three groups of people do not belong under the Transgender ‘Umbrella’ because they are more focused on ‘sexual orientation’ issues. Others would argue that they do belong simply because their sexual orientation raises a number of gender issues. Besides, all groups have found they need each other to build a voiceloud enough to be heard by the Non-Transgender majority.

What are the eight other types of Transgenderism?

Most counselors have agreed that there are at least eight toyes of Transgender people who have predominately Gender Issues. They also seem to be predominately Heterosexual. The types span from Crossdresser, whose behavior challenges society’s taboos, to the Post Operative Transsexual whose identifcation with the opposite sex’x Gender lead him/her to become a member of the opposite sex. Anyone diagnosed as fitting into one of these categories is said to be suffering from ‘Gender Identity Disphoria’ (GID). Some transsexuals, frustrated by the slowness of the transition, humorously suggest this term says more about the medical profession than the patient. A Gender Gifted person usually knows who he/she is. It is the counselors who seem to be unsure, (have the dysphoria).

Crossdresser: This is a polite term for ‘Transvestite’. Most people crossdress at sometime in their life, for many different reasons: Entertainment, masquerade, protections, service of god, or fellowmen, espionage and enhancing sexual foreplay. It is also the person who crossdresses to relieve gender pressure. He/she is usually heterosexual and married and likes the biological sex he/she is. The crossdressing is engaged more or less frequently and is done in secret or only with others who understand. The person strives to authentically present in the adopted gender role.

Transvestite (AKA Crossdresser): Original term for ‘Crossdresser’. Now occasionally used to speak of Darg Queens/Kings. This person is often homosexual and crossdresses more or less often. Crossdressing is often done in a flamboyant manner, usually for entertainment or other public purposes. See Drag Queen/King.

Fetishist: (AKA Crossdresser): This person likes being the sex he/she is. However he/she uses an article of clothing instead of interacting with a person, for erotic purposes.

Intersexual: Often called a “Hermaphrodite’, this person has the physical, sexual manifestation, in whole or in part, of both sexes. His/her understanding of his/her gender may or may not agree with his/her predominate physical sexual genitalia display.

Androgyne: This person may or may not be a Hermaphrodite. He/she chooses to either display no discernible masculine or feminie traits or to display a mis of both. His/her self identified gender may be completely neutral or embrace both.

Transsexual, Non Operative: This, usually a heterosexual person, sees him/herself as a member of the opposite sex, may or may not take the hormones of that sex and may live fully or almost fully as a member of the opposite sex, may or may not take the hormones of that sex and may live fully or almost fully as a member of that sex. Like all transsexuals, wearing clothing of the opposite sex helps the person proclaim a self identified true gender. The Non Operative Transsexual may desire Sexual Reassignment Surgery but for any number of reasons cannot have it. Reasons could include: Health, finances & personal preference. 

Transsexual, Pre or Post Operative: Persons in these last two categories see themselves as members of the opposite sex, take hormones and live as a member of the opposite sex. They are either preparing to have or have had Sexual Reassignment Surgery.

Poverty of Culture & Society

What other things complicate our understanding?

Culture/Society has constructed a dual list. Half defines what a man should be, the other half what a woman should be. It expects everyone to fit into one of these two categories. If the person fits society’s expectations, he/she is recognized as ‘NORMAL’ and the advantages of society will become available. If the person’s developmental mix lie outside the cultural expectation then the label of ‘ABNORMAL’ is attached. The person is thought of as ‘weird’, ‘sick’, ‘crazy’ and often becomes an object of harrasment and a victim of violence, murder and suicide.

The Continuum? What does it teach us?

The continuum is about finding ‘Normal’ in diversity. Nature programs each human being to participate in a theefold, sexual development: Gender – Sexual Genitalia – Sexual Orientation. These three roads to sexual maturity develop independently of each other. This opens the door to an unlimited number of combinations of human sexual mixes and identities. This, in turn, leads to a celebration of vibrant life called ‘The Continuum’. We have all been born on this continuum. Each one occupies a unique spot and exhibits a unique combination of gifts and expressions. No one is a throw-away. Each of us is important and each one fits, is special, is necessary, and finally is ‘NORMAL’!