It’s important to start looking into the differences between transgender and transsexual.
This article is going to point to the difference, so it’s easier to define what each encompasses.
Transgender
Socially constructed genders such as men and women can often leave those who are “transgender” in a conflict.
The premise of being transgender is to work past those socially constructed definitions of gender identity. In this case, the person doesn’t have to pursue a sex change or any form of social transition. In general, there is no “diagnosis” to make unless it is a form of gender dysphoria.
According to studies, transgendered individuals tend to choose between surgery or simple abstinence.
It’s important to note here that this has nothing to do with sexual orientation. A transgendered individual can be straight, gay, bisexual, or any other orientation. These individuals tend to experience signs of depression and anxiety due to their gender identity.
Transsexual
Moving onto the next term, transsexual is different to transgender.
With transexual, the premise is an individual who does not identify with their gender and has an underlying desire to change their gender/sex through operations. In general, most individual who refer to themselves as transsexual will opt for surgery (if possible).
With transsexuals, the emphasis is on a physical problem more than a mental one according to those who are in this situation. It can be difficult for these situations because societal pressure can get in the way of what’s going on in their lives. These individuals can face depression and/or anxiety depending on their setting.
Some experts like to categorize this as being gender dysphoria, but that is disputed by transsexuals.
Transsexual people can be of any sexual orientation including straight, bisexual, gay, and any other form of orientation. This doesn’t play a part in their desire to align with the opposite sex than what they were born into.
This information is pertinent while going through the multiple definitions in the hopes of understanding transgender vs. transsexual. This is a unique conversation and one that is hard to decipher for those who are unaware. This read should have helped shed light on the differences between both sets of individuals and what they go through on a daily basis.
This understanding can help remove or reduce societal pressure on those who are in this position and wish to speak out about who they are and what they represent.