A '''transsexual''' is a person who establishes a permanent identity with the opposite [[gender role|gender]] to his or her [[sex]]. The typical explanation is of a "man trapped in a woman's body" or vica-versa. A transsexual makes or desires to make a transition from their birth [[sex]] to another gender, with some type of medical alteration to their body (which may be [[hormone|hormonally]] induced, not necessarily surgical).

''Transsexual'' is one of a number of behaviours collectively referred to as [[transgender]]. Transsexuals should not be confused with [[transvestite]]s, [[drag queen]]s, or [[cross-dresser]]s.

Not all transsexuals have [[sexual reassignment surgery]], although many do. More opt for hormonal therapies to effect body changes than those who also opt for surgery. For male-to-female transsexuals, taking [[estrogen]]s causes the growth of [[breast]]s, with concomitant enlargement of the nipples, and redistribution of body [[fat]], among other changes. Permanent removal of facial hair is accomplished with [[electrolysis (cosmetology)|electrolysis]] or [[laser hair removal]]. For female-to-male transsexuals, taking [[androgen]]s causes a shrinking of breasts, usually some enlargement of the [[clitoris]], growth of body and facial hair, and redistribution of body fat, among other changes.

Those who have not undergone SRS are known as "pre-operational" ("pre-op") and those who have, "post-operational" ("post-op"). Some choose to describe themselves as "non-op", indicating that they have not undergone SRS, nor do they intend to do so.

Generally speaking, physicians who perform sex-reassignment surgery require the patient to live as the opposite gender in all possible ways for at least a year ("cross-live") prior to the start of surgery in order to assure that they can psychologically function in that life-role. This is part of a battery of requirements. Most reputable professionals who provide services to transsexuals follow the controversial Standards of Care for [[Gender Identity Disorder]]s put forth by the [[Harry Benjamin]] [[Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association|International Gender Dysphoria Association]].

The sex-reassigment surgery, then, is not completed in a single session but requires multiple surgeries. For a male to female transsexual, the [[penis]] and [[testicle|testicles]] are removed and a [[vagina]] and [[vulva]] are constructed. For a female-to-male transsexual, a penis is constructed, and the labia (see [[vulva]]) are united to form a [[scrotum]], with [[prosthesis|prosthetic]] testicles being inserted.

Many Western societies today have some sort of procedure whereby an individual can [[name change|change their name]], sometimes also their legal gender, to reflect their [[gender identity]]. Medical procedures for transgendered people are also available in most Western countries. However, because gender roles are an important part of many cultures, those engaged in strong challenges to the prevalence of these roles, such as many transgendered people, often have to face considerable prejudice. One such case is chronicled in the movie ''[[Boys Don't Cry]]''.

''See also:'' [[Legal aspects of transsexualism]], [[autogynephilia]]

=== Links ===

* [http://transsexual.org/What.html What transsexuality is]