Variations in Transgender Expression: An Introduction
A starting vocabulary for neophytes to the transgender community
If you visit another country and don’t know the native tongue? You often get lost in a hurry. Same holds true in the world of transsexualism.
As we just discussed in the last section, the primary difference between various transgender women is usually defined by two elements:
- Where we are in the process of transformation and;
- How far we intend to proceed with that evolution.
For some, this need is limited to a private quarterly sessions in the wife's pantyhose. For others, it requires sexual reassignment surgery. The rest? They find solace in-between these two boundaries.
Also, trans-girls often evolve through various phases in their gender journey and change the label associated with their gender expression accordingly.
With that precept in mind, here’s some of the most common terms you’ll hear regarding various people in the trans-community. Some labels apply generically to all trans-people - like “transgender”. Also, some girls fall under more than one label: For example? Some transsexuals also perform as DRAG Queens, etc.
Additional chapters Included in this specific section on this subject, include:
Variations in Transgender Expression: An Introduction
What is the Difference Between Transgender and Transsexual?
What is the Difference Between Transgender and Gay?
What is the Difference Between a Transsexual and a Shemale?
What is the Difference Between a Transvestite and a Crossdresser?
What is the Difference Between a Transsexual and a DRAG Queen?
Transgender
As previously discussed, “transgender” - is an all-encompassing term used to describe any person with alternative genera expressive behavior. Within this broad sector is a wide variety of subsets like cross dressers, transsexuals, transvestites, DRAG Queens, etc. Thus Transgender could be likened to a generic term “automobile” - whereas a transsexual could be likened to a Porsche. Continuing with that analogy - you’ll find various makes and models for each brand of car / transsexual expression.
Other terms associated with this label are: TG - short for transgender.
Cisgender
Cisgender is the exact opposite of transgender. It represents a person whose completely happy and comfortable with the gender they were born. Most people on the planet identify as Cisgender. It’s not a commonly used term in the public domain. Rather, its used most often as a non-transgender marker in gender based clinical studies.
GRS
GRS is an acronym for Gender Reassignment Surgery. It’s also sometimes called SRS = Sexual Reassignment Surgery - but GRS is the current politically correct terminology. GRS is the surgery for creating a neo-vagina using the born male anatomy for vagina walls, clitoris, etch Nothing is wasted! It’s also known as final surgery and bottom surgery.
Orchie
An Orchie is short for an Orchiectomy. This is essentially the procedure for castration - having the testicles removed. Since its irreversible, an orchid is often considered an acceptable alternative to legally be considered female in many US states. Also, an orchie costs much less than GRS.
MTF
MTF is an acronym for a male-to-female transgender person - meaning this person was born male but needs to present female - either on a part time or full-time basis.
FTM
FTM is an acronym for a female-to-male transgender person - meaning this person was born female but needs to present as male - either on a part time or full-time basis.
T-GIRL
“T-girls" is another “all encompassing” term used to describe transgenders - but only includes the MTF variant = “girls”. This was my preferred self definition before I started transition vs. cross dresser, DRAG Queen or transvestite.
Trans Woman
“T-girls" is another “all encompassing” term used to describe transgender women - but only includes the MTF variant = “girls”.
GG / Born Woman / Born Girl
A GG is an acronym for a “Genetic Girl” - a woman naturally born as female. Other similar terms used to describe naturally-born females includes: Born-women, natal females and “natals”.
HRT Therapy
HRT therapy or as commonly called in trans-world - “taking hormones” - is a specialized hormone regimen for MTF transsexual women that includes much heavier doses than administered to post-menopausal women. The programs include a variant of female estrogen and a testosterone blocker. This process tends to soften male tissue - particularly noticeable in the facial area. It also creates breast tissue and nipple growth - although usually limited to a A-cup or small B-cup.
Transsexual women usually remain on an HRT regimen throughout their lives albeit with less dosage following GRS or an Orchiectomy.
Transition
“Transition” is a phase a transsexual person goes through in order to successfully change their gender. It can take many years to successfully complete. It usually starts with professional counseling regarding confirmation and severity of Gender Identity Disorder issues (GID) and progresses to the use of a hormone replacement therapy regimen along with testosterone blockers to help create a more feminine platform to develop. In the case of FTM transsexuals, testosterone shots are administered. Usually, sometime during or after this step, a transsexual woman starts trying to live “full time” as a woman in her work and personal life. If and when they can afford it? Transsexual women will often get specialized cosmetic surgery to enhance their new gender presentation including FFS (Facial Feminization Surgery) and breast augmentation. There’s also the painful process of facial hair removal - usually with electrolysis but sometimes just with laser. For FTM transsexuals? Early cosmetic changes usually include breast reduction or removal. It’s during this phase that a transsexual learns to function in their new gender - often by trial and error. This period is often the most overwhelming aspect of transition since many old friends and family pull away as a symbol of protest. Additionally, lots of trans-people lose their jobs after going full-time…at the exact time transition related costs are increasing substantially. Eventually, most transsexual women seek GRS or an Orchie for their own gratification and to also satisfy the legal requirements for becoming female on various identifying documents.
Admirer
Admirer is a term used to describe a man or a woman whose naturally attracted to transgender women. Some guys who are into tranny’s can’t stand the label but no new term has ever arisen. There’s both male and female admirer’s. There’s also Admirer’s that are part time cross dressers. That usually means they cross dress but are still into transsexual women.
Tranny Chaser
Tranny chaser (AKA Chaser or TC) is a less endearing term used to describe men attracted to transgender women. The term was born from the gay male community during the earlier old days that specialized in trans patrons. These gay men would term straight guys that “cashed” after the transgender women as “tranny chasers”. In today’s trans culture? If a trans-woman calls a guy a “chaser” - it usually means they consider them completing fixated on the fact she’s transcend vs. knowing anything about her as a person. If you’re called a “tranny chaser” - it’s often not viewed as complementary.
Top
The term top is used to describe a variety of sexual & relationship manifestations within alternative love unions. It was born from who “gravitates to being on top” when two people lay down in bed. Some people are more naturally inclined to be on the top - feeling trapped and out of sorts when underneath another. Others, only feel comfortable on the bottom - beneath their partner when prone. It’s also used to describe personality roles in a loving union: the top is most often the alpha, the person who defaults to decision making, etc. Sexually-speaking a top is the person whose doing the penetrating.
Bottom
A “bottom” is the exact opposite, complimentary variant to the “top” just described above.
Versatile
When someone says they are “versatile”? It means - sexually-speaking - they are comfortable performing as both top and bottom. In BDSM culture, this person is called a “switch”.
Ladyboy
Ladyboy is an Americanized slang used to describe Thai trans-women - but now its used universally for almost all Asian trans-women by American admirers.
Trans Man
Another “all encompassing” term used to describe transgender men. Only includes the FTM variant = “boys”.
Additional chapters Included in This Section Include:
What is Transgender?
Introduction to Transgenderism
Variations in Transgender Expression: What's the differences?
How to respect a Transgender Person
Men Dressed as Women
Urban Dictionary: Transgender Terms
Urban Dictionary: Transgender Slangs
Transgender Labels
What do I do if I think the girl you're dating might be transgender?
My husband watches shemale porn: Is he gay?