definition explination???

[Sollan]

Hihi

I am confused, mostly uneducated myself in this area, but what is the definition difference between transgender and transsexual? 

I didn't repeatedly ask because when I did, I got "you must not be transgender if you don't know"

thanx for any answers

Sollan

[GentlemanRDP]

Well, if you don't ask, you'll never know, right?

Transgender is an umbrella term that encompasses anyone who doesn't feel like they fit in the gender binary of girl and boy.

Transexual is used to describe someone getting a sex-change *With our without hormones and / or surgery* in order to become a member of the opposite gender that they were not assigned at birth.

Basically, Transexual is covered under being transgender, but not all transgenders are transexuals. When in doubt, go for the umbrella term, or you might upset someone who isn't transitioning.

[Sollan]

Hihi

ok, just to make sure I understand....

transgender=when you know you are the wrong sex.

transsexual=when you have decided to make the changes to be a man or a woman.

Is this the correct understanding?

[GentlemanRDP]

Uhm, on the transexual, pretty much.

But not quite on the transgender; because transgenders can also include ->-bleeped-<-s and intersex people and androgynous people and those subgroups have nothing to do with being in the wrong body ^^; It's a little complicated.

[Sollan]

my wife explained it this way:

we are transsexual because we associate ourselves as FTM and MTF and that transgender folks are more the third sex, neither male nor female

[Steph]

I think you will find all the definitions used here at Susan's neatly packaged here:

Community Definitions

[Nygeel]

when we're born we are all assigned a sex and a gender (doctors spank your butt and says it's a girl/boy). Transgender people do not identify with their assigned gender (this includes trans men, trans women, gender queer, androgyne, etc). Transsexual people are uncomfortable with their assigned sex (male or female, the body) and often want to or do alter their bodies to ease discomfort with their bodies.

[eli77]

Would also point out that the labels are optional. Not everyone who COULD fit under a given term identifies that way. So generally it's better to ask the specific person if you are uncertain.

For example - I identify as a transsexual female or trans girl, but not MTF or transgender. Most people on these forums are a bit different in their own way. Over time the language will probably settle down, but we are currently in a state of flux.

Transgender people do not identify with their assigned gender (this includes trans men, trans women, gender queer, androgyne, etc).

It also can include crossdressers and other folks who identify with their assigned gender but who violate perceived gender norms. If they choose to be included of course. It has really become a term of political expediency more than anything. Group everyone together who is discriminated against for similar reasons and try to push for equal rights as a united front. How effective that's actually been varies, and in some places the umbrella is being dismantled or altered.

[Sollan]

thanx all for all the explantions and definitions. My wife and I don't go with lables between her and I but knowing more about the labeling gives me more knowledge to be able to explain it to "LAY PEOPLE" (the ones that try not to be disrespectful and are really wanting to try to understand)