Transvestite / Crossdressing
Cross-dresser is a term for people who dress in clothing traditionally or stereotypically worn by the other sex, but who generally have no intent to live full-time as the other gender. Transvestite is a term for a cross-dresser that is considered derogatory by many.
Transgender and transvestite are two distinct terms related to gender identity and expression, although they are sometimes confused or used interchangeably. It's crucial to respect and affirm individuals' self-identified gender identities and expressions. If someone identifies as transgender, it means their gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. This is distinct from crossdressing, which primarily involves clothing choices, sometimes done to look like a convincing member of the opposite sex ("passing"), sometimes not. Most transvestites are men who comfortably fill male roles in society and are satisfied with their biological sex.
The term "transvestite" was coined from Latin trans "across, beyond" + vestire "to dress, to clothe" (from PIE *wes- (2) "to clothe," extended form of root *eu- "to dress"). As an adjective from 1925. Transvestism is first attested 1928. Travesty, which is the same word, older, and passed through French and Italian; it generally has a figurative use in English, but has been used in the literal sense of "wearing of the clothes of the opposite sex" (often as a means of concealment or disguise) at least since 1823, and travestiment "wearing of the dress of the opposite sex" is recorded by 1832. Among the older clinical words for it was Eonism "transvestism, especially of a man" (1913), from Chevalier Charles d'Eon, French adventurer and diplomat (1728-1810) who was anatomically male but later in life lived and dressed as a woman (and claimed to be one).
The term "transvestite" is historically used to describe a person who derives pleasure or satisfaction from wearing clothing traditionally associated with the opposite sex. However, it's important to note that this term is outdated and has fallen out of favor in contemporary discussions around gender identity and expression, and is no longer considered an appropriate or respectful term in contemporary discussions around gender identity and expression.
Crossdressing is as American as Mark Twain. Twain’s extensive use of cross-dressing across his career exposed a substantial cast of characters who masqueraded as members of the opposite sex or who otherwise defied gender expectations. Huckleberry Finn dressing as a girl is a famously comic scene in Mark Twain’s novel but hardly out of character—for the author, that is. Twain “troubled gender” in much of his otherwise traditional fiction, depicting children whose sexual identities are switched at birth, tomboys, same-sex married couples, and even a male French painter who impersonates his own fictive sister and becomes engaged to another man. Linda Morris persuasively argues that Mark Twain's "approach to gender is much more playful and experimental than most critics allow" and that he "subverted Victorian notions of fixed gender roles and essentialist constructions."
While “transsexual” and “transvestite” were central categories that organized trans experience across a wide array of geographies, genders, and racial and class coordinates during the twentieth century, these categories have receded into the background of Anglophone activism and academia.
In current understanding, individuals who may have been referred to as transvestites in the past might identify as crossdressers. Crossdressing refers to the act of wearing clothing typically associated with a gender different from one's assigned sex. It is often done for self-expression, entertainment, or personal fulfillment and does not necessarily indicate one's gender identity. As a verb, cross-dress is attested by 1966; the noun cross-dresser is by 1975.
Cross-dressing and drag shows have long become part of the cultural mainstream in the United States. Pioneers from the 1950s include popular TV star Milton Berle, known as "Uncle Miltie," who made a cross-dress appearance as part of his comic act on TV.
A drag queen is a person, typically a cisgender male, who adopts exaggerated feminine clothing, makeup, and mannerisms for the purpose of entertainment or artistic expression. Drag queens often perform on stage, in clubs, or at drag shows, where they showcase their talent through lip-syncing, dancing, comedy, or other forms of performance art.
Drag queens use their performance personas to explore and challenge traditional gender norms and expectations. They may adopt glamorous and exaggerated styles, often incorporating humor, satire, and social commentary into their acts. Drag queens can play a significant role in LGBTQ+ communities, providing entertainment, empowerment, and visibility.
It's important to note that being a drag queen is not directly tied to one's gender identity. Drag is primarily an art form and performance practice. Some drag queens may identify as cisgender men, while others may identify as transgender or non-binary individuals. Drag is a distinct form of expression from one's gender identity, and not all drag performers are transgender.
Drag queens have a long-standing history within LGBTQ+ communities and have made notable contributions to popular culture and the arts. It is crucial to respect and acknowledge drag queens' artistic and creative expressions, as well as the diverse identities and experiences they encompass.
Tennessee was the first US state to introduce a law banning drag shows in public spaces and in places where they could be seen by children. Along with the bill signed by Republican governor of Tennessee Bill Lee, similar ones have been popping up in other Republican-ruled states, including Arizona, Kentucky, Oklahoma, South Carolina, West Virginia, Nebraska, and Texas. The new legislation has hit the US LGBTQ community hard, sparking tension between conservative hardliners and liberal advocates of LGBTQ rights in the US.
The Tennessee law shows how averse conservatives in the US are against drag shows. Even the name "drag" doesn't actually appear in the bill. Instead, performances by men or women who dress up as the opposite sex are referred to by the whitewashed term "adult cabaret performances."
One of the world's best-known drag queens, RuPaul, reacted to the ban, describing the lawmakers as "stunt queens," who "look for easy targets so they can give the impression of being effective," all while actually aiming to distract the population "away from the real issues that they were voted into office to focus on: jobs, healthcare, keeping our children safe from harm at their own school,"
In a March 2 report, NPR stated that the ban could also have a chilling effect on Pride festivals: "Outdoor drag is a staple in the Tennessee summer heat. While new laws typically go into effect on July 1, the bill was quietly amended in January to take effect April 1 — ahead of Pride month in June." According to Governor Bill Lee, no one will be discriminated against; he sees solely the bill as a measure of "child protection." Many advocates of the bill accuse drag shows of being "harmful" or confusing to children. Conservative activists fear that drag contributes to the "sexualization" or "grooming" of children. Republican representative Chris Todd, who sponsored the bill in Tennessee, even associated drag with "child abuse."
The B-52s and Cyndi Lauper were among celebrity voices speaking out against the new laws being passed by Republicans seeking to ban drag artists. It is "unacceptable that in the 21st century, we are witnessing such blatant attempts to undermine the rights of individuals based on their gender identity and sexual orientation," said the B-52s in a statement. "These bills not only violate the fundamental human rights of the affected individuals but also perpetuate a toxic culture of hate and intolerance that has no place in our society." "This is how Hitler started," Cyndi Lauper told The Hill news site, "just weeding everybody out," she said, referring to how gay people were targets of persecution under the Nazis.
Far from being a product of the modern world, gender variance has been documented across cultures and in every epoch of history. Male-bodied persons dressing and living as women and female-bodied persons dressing and living as men were known in ancient Greece and Rome, among Native American tribes prior to the arrival of Europeans, on the Indian subcontinent, in Africa, in Siberia, in Eastern Europe, and in nearly every other indigenous society studied by anthropologists.
Joan of Arc, also known as Jeanne d'Arc, was a young French peasant girl who played a significant role during the Hundred Years' War in the 15th century. She claimed to have received visions from saints, urging her to support the French dauphin, Charles VII, and help him reclaim his throne from the English. There is no historical evidence to suggest that Joan of Arc cross-dressed.
Despite accusations, there is no evidence to suggest that Joan of Arc cross-dressed for personal reasons or for gender expression outside of her military role. Her choice of attire was a practical decision in the context of her military campaigns. During her trial, Joan of Arc faced accusations of various charges, including heresy. One claim made against her was that she dressed in men's clothing, which was considered inappropriate and a violation of gender norms at the time. Joan defended her choice to wear armor and men's clothing as a practical necessity for her role as a military leader, stating that it was for protection and to maintain the modesty of her person. Joan of Arc was ultimately convicted of heresy and was executed by burning at the stake in 1431. She was later exonerated of her charges and declared a martyr by the Catholic Church.
A few of the better-known individuals in this category include James Barry, British army physician and Inspector-General, died 1865; Charles Durkee Pankhurst, California stagecoach driver, died 1879; Murray Hall, Tammany Hall politician, died 1901; Jack Bee Garland, soldier in the Spanish-American War, died 1936; and Billy Tipton, jazz trumpeter, died 1989. Some of these people were married to women, who publicly expressed shock and amazement when their partners died and were found to be other than what friends and neighbors assumed them to be. It is impossible to know if this shock was real or was feigned for the benefit of a public that was not prepared to accept the alternative explanation--that the widow had lived happily with a female-bodied person who saw himself and was accepted by others (including his wife) as a man.
The case of the Chevalier d'Eon, an eighteenth-century aristocrat whose gender was a source of considerable controversy during his lifetime, is a bit more complex, and became a public scandal, Chevalier d'Éon, whose full name was Charles-Geneviève-Louis-Auguste-André-Timothée d'Éon de Beaumont, was a fascinating figure from the 18th century. They were a French diplomat, spy, soldier, and transvestite. The Chevalier d'Éon is often referred to using the pronouns "they" or "he" due to their complex gender identity.
Born on October 5, 1728, in Tonnerre, France, d'Éon entered the world as a male. They began their career in the military, serving as a dragoon (cavalry) officer. Later on, d'Éon joined the French secret intelligence service and was sent to Russia as part of a diplomatic mission.
During their time in Russia, d'Éon presented as a woman, often wearing female clothing and adopting a feminine persona. They were able to gain the trust of Empress Elizabeth of Russia and established a successful intelligence network. In 1762, upon the death of Empress Elizabeth, d'Éon returned to France.
Back in France, d'Éon continued life as a diplomat and spy, still presenting as a woman. In 1777, they claimed to be biologically female and requested legal recognition of their gender. This sparked a public controversy and led to a wager known as the "d'Éon de Beaumont case" where people betted on d'Éon's gender. In 1779, a court ruling declared d'Éon legally female, and they were allowed to dress and live as a woman, although they were required to wear male attire while participating in official diplomatic duties.
D'Éon lived the rest of their life as a woman, eventually retiring from public life and settling in London, England. They passed away on May 21, 1810, at the age of 81. After their death, an autopsy revealed that d'Éon had male genitalia, which contradicted their claims of being assigned female at birth.
Chevalier d'Éon's life and gender identity continue to be subjects of interest and discussion. They challenged societal norms and expectations of gender during a time when such expressions were largely taboo. D'Éon's story has inspired numerous works of literature, art, and even a manga series titled "Le Chevalier D'Eon."
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