People (usually males) who call themselves cross-dressers, or transvestites,
dress as the opposite gender for emotional satisfaction, erotic pleasure,
or just because they feel more comfortable doing so.
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They feel a strong recurring desire to cross-dress but are generally perfectly happy with their birth gender and have no wish to permanently alter the physical
characteristics of their bodies. Often the cross-dressing provides a pleasant
outlet for them to explore feelings and behaviours associated with the
opposite gender and therefore they frequently use opposite gender names
and pronouns while cross-dressed.
Although they enjoy the actual periods when they cross-dress, some
people can initially find it difficult to come to terms with their desire to
cross-dress and may spend a period of time struggling alone with feelings
of shame and fear.
In due course, most are able to move beyond these
negative feelings and simply enjoy cross-dressing with others at supportive
social evenings and occasional weekend events.
Drag
Nearly all people who enjoy being drag kings or drag queens have gender
identities which completely match their birth gender and most do not
consider themselves to be transgender.
Being a drag king or drag queen
is about the occasional portrayal of the opposite gender with an emphasis
on performance and fun.
The opposite gender persona they portray is
therefore usually a dramatic or humorous one. Drag performances may
take place on stage but they are also often done informally during parties,
carnivals and various other situations.
- Adapted from Gender Identity - An Information Booklet For
Transgender People In Scotland and Their Families and Friends
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