transvestites
Opposite-gender clothing wearers
Transvestites are people who wear clothing typically associated with the opposite sex.
The term is now considered dated or clinical, largely replaced by cross-dresser in everyday usage.
Transvestite specifically describes clothing choice, not gender identity—a distinction sometimes confused in casual speech.
The transvestites at the club put on an elaborate show.
Resistance through fluid
- gender expressionOutward manifestation of identity
- clothingBody coverings worn daily
- femininePertaining to women
- masculineMale in character
presentation · wardrobe · appearance · transformation · persona · alter ego · dressing up · gender nonconforming
Wearing other gender's clothing
- fetishismFixation on specific objects
- DSMPsychiatric classification manual
- paraphiliaAtypical sexual interest disorder
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
sexology · psychology · arousal · disorder · classification · therapy · counseling · outdated
Theatrical feminine performer
- cabaretLive entertainment venue
- stageRaised performance platform
- lip-syncSilent vocal mimicry
- impersonationPretending to be another
showgirl · burlesque · nightclub · entertainer · RuPaul · pageant · ballroom · voguing
Of a prim era
- vaudevilleTheatrical variety entertainment
- StonewallRefuse to answer questions
- disguiseIdentity-concealing alteration
- soldiersMilitary personnel who fight
sailors · wartime · prohibition · secrecy · arrest · scandal · society · biography
Embodying both gender essences
- third genderCategory outside male/female
- cross-culturalInvolving multiple societies
- traditionalFollowing long-held customs
- ceremonialRelating to formal rites
indigenous · South Asia · Thailand · Samoa · Mexico · Indonesia · ritual · community
drag
Resistance through fluid
- gender expressionOutward manifestation of identity
- clothingBody coverings worn daily
- femininePertaining to women
masculine · presentation · wardrobe · appearance · transformation · persona · alter ego · dressing up · gender nonconforming · self-expression
transvestism
Wearing other gender's clothing
- fetishismFixation on specific objects
- DSMPsychiatric classification manual
- paraphiliaAtypical sexual interest disorder
diagnosis · sexology · psychology · arousal · disorder · classification · therapy · counseling · outdated · pathologizing
drag queen
Theatrical feminine performer
impersonation · showgirl · burlesque · nightclub · entertainer · RuPaul · pageant · ballroom · voguing · Dame Edna
Victorian
Of a prim era
- vaudevilleTheatrical variety entertainment
- StonewallRefuse to answer questions
- disguiseIdentity-concealing alteration
soldiers · sailors · wartime · prohibition · secrecy · arrest · scandal · society · biography · memoir
two-spirit
Embodying both gender essences
- third genderCategory outside male/female
- cross-culturalInvolving multiple societies
- traditionalFollowing long-held customs
ceremonial · indigenous · South Asia · Thailand · Samoa · Mexico · Indonesia · ritual · community · acceptance