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Transgender is an umbrella term that describes anyone who doesn't choose to adhere to the strict attributes society imposes on gender. Unlike sex that's biologically and chromosomally determined, gender is a social construct that places men and women into distinct categories, each with its own attributes such as dress, hair style, mannerisms, walking, etc. Some people don't fit into this dichotomy and prefer to blend gender or, in the case of transsexuals, transform their bodies to match their internal gender identity. Once considered malleable, gender identity is now known to be hardwired before birth. Crossdressers are typically heterosexual males who express their feminine side, and sometimes get sexual satisfaction, by dressing in women's clothes. Crossdressing is not a disorder and cannot be 'cured.' Crossdressers don't take female hormones, except for experimentation, nor want sex reassignment surgery. Drag queens are usually gay men who impersonate women and often perform in night clubs. They typically employ exaggerated mannerisms and garish makeup. Gender-variants are people who exhibit attributes, in varying degrees, of both genders and choose not to follow society's stereotypical gender expectations. Also see androgynous. Intersexed people, or hermaphrodites (an older term), are born with ambiguous genitals or a combination of male and female genitalia. In the past, the intersexed would be surgically 'assigned,' without their consent, in the hope that they would grow-up comfortable in their assigned gender. However, this didn't happen in all cases and the practice has grown out-of-favor. Transsexuality goes much deeper. The traits can express themselves very early in life, as young as three or four. A transsexual has a deep, core identity with the gender opposite to their born sex. Though the exact cause is unknown, evidence indicates it happens prenatally and is caused by a mix-up in fetal hormone balance at critical times in the fetus's development and could have genetic causes. A fetus's brain is female by default (we all begin as female), if testosterone is produced the brain develops male, if estrogen is produced it remains female. Just as in homosexuality, transsexuality is not a choice. Attempts to change the mind to match the body have failed. The only effective treatment for transsexuals is changing gender through hormone therapy and SRS. Before sex reassignment surgery can be approved an individual has to live and work full-time for one year in their chosen gender. Most surgeons require two referral letters from a MD, Ph.D., or other Masters level professional, before they will perform SRS. Transgender is not a new concept and has been demonstrated in various cultures throughout history. The Iroquois Indians revered the transgender, or third sex, as a shawoman and mediator. The mahu, or feminine gay male, is well-accepted in Hawaiian culture. Gender identity and sexual orientation, often confused with each other, are separate and distinct. A transsexual woman isn't necessarily attracted to men and vice-versa. If you have a child who's transgender, or exhibiting signs of being transgender, the right thing to do is accept who they are and don't punish or try to change them. When old enough allow him or her to receive treatment from a therapist experienced in gender identity. Taking the child to a psychiatrist, or psychologist, who has no gender identity experience can do more harm than good. Transgender people are arguably the most discriminated against minority - often fired from their jobs, rejected by family and friends, subjected to violence, even murder. Some states and cities have added gender identity to anti-discrimination laws, but in most states it's still legal to fire an employee for being transgender. more
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