I think the term "transsexual" is losing universal acceptance here in the U.S., too. I guess it's because it implies some kind of link to sexual behavior as inaccurate as that is. Yes, the terms "trans woman" and "trans man", which are shortened forms for "transsexual woman" and "transsexual man", are preferred by many, but they are somewhat ambiguous, too, because "trans" is also short for "transgender" which, again, is an umbrella description for all gender variant people. Some of my cross-dressing friends identify as bi-gender. When in female mode they will refer to themselves as a "trans woman" even when they have no intention of transitioning to living full time as a woman. I almost always have to ask if they are full-time or not to understand where they are on the spectrum.
People poo-poo labels, but there is a place for them when talking about where one falls on the gender spectrum. For 95% of my interaction with people the only label that applies to me is "woman". When talking to others specifically about transgender issues, labels for other major trans groupings are indispensable.
Clara
People poo-poo labels, but there is a place for them when talking about where one falls on the gender spectrum. For 95% of my interaction with people the only label that applies to me is "woman". When talking to others specifically about transgender issues, labels for other major trans groupings are indispensable.
Clara