What is the Difference Between a Transvestite and a Crossdresser?

Transvestite vs. Crossdresser?

This variation is perhaps the most subtle compared to all the other comparisons in this section.

So what's the difference?



Before we get to that…

If you're looking for additional insights in the category, these other similar chapters in this section might be of interest:


Variations in Transgender Expression: An Introduction
What is the Difference Between Transgender and Transsexual?
What is the Difference Between Transgender and Gay?
What is the Difference Between a Transsexual and a Shemale?
What is the Difference Between a Transvestite and a Crossdresser?
What is the Difference Between a Transsexual and a DRAG Queen?

Transvestite vs. Crossdresser


What is a Transvestite?

(AKA TV) Although the Latin derivation for the word transvestite is basically "crossdressing”, it’s most commonly associated with the more “fetish-based” and “over the top” interpretations of womanhood in trans-world versus standard cross dressing. Transvestite styles are rarely created to “pass” - but to explore and test the most exotic and erotic side of femininity. It also usually includes more make up, bigger hair and lots more trimming. I was certainly the poster child for this definition in the 1990’s but I personally never bonded with this “term”. The word itself sounded too much like some pervert, to me.



What is a Crossdresser?

A “crossdresser" (AKA - CD or CDer) is a man who fulfills a need for transgender expression through occasionally - or often - dressing and presenting as a woman. Some cross dressers share their craft publicly: shopping, socializing and going to dinner - often with other similarly evolved trans-women. Some only do it privately - either because their spouse or friends would no be supportive, they worry about life issues associated with if someone finds out or they feel they could never “pass” in public.



I've found very few men in the world who have not at least tried being a "one time CD" by donning a woman's panties. Why is this so widespread? Who knows! I'm pretty certain the fact female undergarments look and feel so much sexier than jockey shorts plays a minor role!



There’s also the “fetish cross dresser” - whose primary motivation for cross dressing is the sexual stimulation associated with such activities. The internet is a boon for most cross dressers - allowing them to connect publicly and privately as never before.

Some of the healthiest and most balanced members of the trans-community are cross dressers.



However, that’s not always the case. One cross dresser variants - we call the “fantasy cross dresser” is notoriously problematic. These girls are usually closeted cross dressers with a strong sexual tie to being transformed. They’ll use photos and images of other transgender women - or born-women - and engage others on-line with their female persona’s. Both men and other trans-women have been fooled by these con’s. Fortunately, the trans-world is a rather small community and they always eventually get “found out” regardless how good the con.

Thus, in summation:

A Transvestite and a Crossdresser are both members of the transgender community. Both are born with a desire to express a gender opposite from the one they came into this earth.

A transvestite is going to be more exotic: over the top - if you will. Their trans expression often includes a more sexual flair. A crossdresser is most often driven to be accurately represent a female persona that can also go to generic public venues and 'pass" as female.

A transsexual's desire is strongest - and will include plans or dreams to live full-time as female and completely change gender. A crossdresser does this representation on a part-time basis - maintaining some sort of comfortable balance between male and female.



Additional Main Chapters in this Area, include:


What is Transgender?
Introduction to Transgenderism
How to respect a Transgender Person
Men Dressed as Women
Urban Dictionary: Transgender Terms
Urban Dictionary: Transgender Slangs
Transgender Labels
What do I do if I think the girl you're dating might be transgender?
My husband watches shemale porn: Is he gay?