Transvestism

Transvestism, the practice of wearing the clothing of the opposite sex for emotional or sexual expression. Transvestism does not include all instances of wearing such clothing, however. Cross-dressing differs from transvestism in that it is conducted for different reasons; a person cross-dresses to make a comment on society or to entertain. Cross-dressing is not usually referred to as transvestism.

Transvestites tend to perceive themselves either as women with masculine predispositions, or as men with comparable feminine predispositions. For some, transvestism is limited to using the clothing of the other gender to elicit sexual excitement. However, for more transvestites, sexual behavior is involved only slightly or not at all; instead, the transvestite gains emotional satisfaction from dressing in the clothing of the opposite sex. Transvestites often describe their behavior as expressing those aspects of the identity and roles of the other gender that they feel are important aspects of their self-definition.

Transvestism is not a reliable indication of sexual orientation; it does not necessarily involve abandoning one's original gender identity as a woman or man. Transvestism occurs among both sexes, but is more common among men than among women and more common among heterosexuals than among homosexuals. In some cultures transvestism is an accepted behavior, with members of the population adopting the identity of the opposite sex. One example is the berdaches, people in some Native American groups who assume the role of the opposite sex, including dress. In other cultures and historical periods, transvestism was considered deviant behavior.

Current scientific opinions about transvestism are divided. Some see transvestism as a symptom of failed gender socialization; others view it as a normal expression of the desire to blur the social distinctions between women and men. Similarly, some psychiatrists view such behavior as symptomatic of maladjustment and requiring treatment, while others believe that treatment is appropriate only if the person experiences conflict or disturbances in his or her social or professional life.

Cross-dressing has a long history, going back at least to ancient Greece. It was often a ritual practice during festivals or religious ceremonies. Cross-dressing is still common during carnivals such as Mardi Gras. In this context cross-dressing is a parody of social conventions and social mores, particularly as they relate to gender roles. Cross-dressing is also a means for providing comic entertainment and is a socially acceptable medium for transposing gender roles. A rich tradition in Western literature exploits the incongruities and confusions that can result from transvestism. These works range from William Shakespeare's As You Like It to such films as Some Like It Hot (1959), Victor/Victoria (1982), and Mrs. Doubtfire (1993).