Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person whose gender identity is opposite to their sex assigned at birth: A transexual is an individual who experiences a deep and persistent identification with a gender different from the one associated with their biological sex.
   • A person who has undergone medical procedures to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity: This term historically refers to someone who has pursued medical interventions, such as hormone therapy or surgery, to transition.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She is a transexual who began her transition five years ago.
  • The clinic provides support for transexuals undergoing medical treatment.

Advanced Usage

• The term "transexual" is often considered dated or clinical. In contemporary usage, "transgender" or the more specific "trans woman" or "trans man" are generally preferred as broader or more respectful terms. The use of "transexual" sometimes specifically emphasizes the aspect of medical transition.
  • While some individuals who have medically transitioned still identify with the term transexual, many prefer the umbrella term transgender.

Variants and Related Words

• Transgender (adj/n): An umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. It does not necessarily imply any specific medical procedure.
• Transition (n/v): The process of changing one's gender presentation to align with one's gender identity.
• Cisgender (adj): Denoting a person whose gender identity corresponds with their birth sex.

Synonyms

• Transgender person: A more contemporary and commonly used synonym.
• Trans individual: A neutral and respectful alternative.

Important Note on Usage

• The spelling "transsexual" (with two 's's) is the more common historical spelling. The single 's' spelling ("transexual") is a recognized variant.
• It is considered respectful to use the terminology an individual prefers for themselves. When in doubt, using the terms "transgender" or asking respectfully is recommended. The term should be used as an adjective (e.g., ) rather than as a standalone noun where possible, to prioritize person-first language.

Noun

1. a person whose sexual identification is entirely with the opposite sex
2. a person who has undergone a sex change operation