Definition

1. Noun:

   • A person whose gender identity is opposite to their sex assigned at birth: A transsexual is a person who identifies completely and consistently with a gender different from the one they were assigned at birth.
   • A person who has undergone medical procedures to align their physical sex characteristics with their gender identity: This term historically refers to a person who has pursued or completed medical interventions, such as hormone therapy or surgery, for this purpose.

2. Adjective:

   • Relating to or characteristic of a transsexual person: Describes the state of identifying with the opposite sex or the process of transition.
   • Overwhelmingly desirous of being, or completely identifying with, the opposite sex: Describes a profound and persistent identification with a gender different from one's sex assigned at birth.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She is a transsexual who began her transition five years ago.
  • The clinic provides support for transsexuals undergoing medical treatment.

• Adjective:

  • He is undergoing transsexual hormone therapy.
  • Her transsexual identity was clear to her from a young age.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical/Historical Context: The term "transsexual" has a specific history in medical and psychological diagnostics. It is often used in contexts discussing medical transition processes.

  • The doctor specialized in transsexual healthcare.

• Note on Terminology: While "transsexual" is a recognized term, many individuals and communities now prefer terms like transgender or trans as more inclusive umbrella terms. "Transsexual" is still used by some to specifically denote those who have medically transitioned.

  • Some people who have had gender confirmation surgery identify specifically as transsexual.

Variants and Related Words

• Transsexualism (n): An older clinical term for the condition of identifying with the opposite sex.

  • The diagnosis of transsexualism is now often referred to as gender dysphoria.

• Transexual (adj/n): A less common alternate spelling of "transsexual."

Synonyms

• Transgender person: A broader term for individuals whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth.
• Trans woman / Trans man: More specific terms for a transsexual person who identifies as a woman or a man, respectively.

Related Phrases

• Sex change operation: An older and now often considered outdated or offensive term for what is now commonly called gender confirmation surgery or sex reassignment surgery (SRS). It is directly associated with the historical use of "transsexual."
  • He traveled abroad for a sex change operation. (Note: Modern preferred phrasing is "gender confirmation surgery.")

Important Notes on Usage

• Sensitivity: The term "transsexual" should be used with care. It is considered appropriate when someone self-identifies with it, but it can be seen as outdated or overly clinical by others. It is generally best to use the terminology an individual prefers.
• Adjective vs. Noun: Using the term as an adjective (e.g., ) is often preferred over using it as a noun (e.g., ) in respectful contexts, as it emphasizes personhood first.

Adjective

1. overwhelmingly desirous of being, or completely identifying with, the opposite sex

Noun

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