what is the difference between a shemale and a transexual (if any)
thanks

a shemale is a girl born with a dick instead of a clitorus and a transexual is some body who is a male and has breast inplants and looks like a girl.

Hi Jt... and Hi Joe!

Defining these terms kinda depends on who you talk to. Here's my take on it;

Shemale is a term primarily used in the adult industry. Few t-girls will speak of themselves as shemales, although some do. I don't particularly care for the term, but I'm not overly offended by it either. Generally, a t-girl who identifies herself as a shemale will be comfortable with her male genitals and isn't afraid to use them. Many drag queens fall into the "shemale" category.

Transsexual is a term used to identify a transgendered person who identifies as the gender opposite to their biological gender. An example is a genetic male who identifies as a female. This is not really a sexual identity so much as it is a brain identity. Transsexuals will usually be repulsed by the term "shemale." They don't like their male genitals, they don't want to use them and don't even want to be reminded of them.

There are other groups within the transgender community including drag queens and drag kings, transvestites, crossdressers and intersexed. You can see how the terminology can get mixed up pretty easily.

The well-intentioned admirer can get tripped up on the terminology. Here is my best advice. Consider anyone in the transgender community to be transgendered until you can tactfully speak with them and ask what they prefer to be called. A little further discussion can reveal what sexual activity they might be interested in. Good communication is critical.

I have a guide for dating t-girls online: How to Meet Shemales, Transsexuals and T-Girls

I hope this helps a little.

Hugs 'n Kisses,

Kristy

kristy your hot !

I've given this topic much thought over the years and I agree with much of what Kristy said. From my own experiences I'd add a few thoughts and observatrions.

The term "shemale" usually refers to somone with both male and female sexual characteristics (typically breast and penis). So-called shemales may be in the process of transforming from male to female (or vice versa!) or may be genetically transgendered people. This term really is almost a porn industry exclusive.

The term "transexual" is typically used to refer to individuals who either have both male and female characteristics and are happy as they are or or are in the process of changing the outward manifestation of their gender (in the process of sexual reassignment surgery, etc). A 'transexual' is neither male nor female, and is both and neither, all at the same time. Sexuality, and gender, is fluid. Transexual is usually a nuetral term (joke - get it?); it's a term that isn't overly value laden.

The term "transgendered" is typically used to refer to one who sees him or herself as having 'changed' genders or being in the process of changing genders, or increasingly, to refer to one who is neither 'male' nor 'female'. Or, it refers to an individual who is going through the process of changing his or her physical status in order that it more accurately reflects his or her sexual/psychological/social/emotional identity.

So...this makes it all clear as mud, eh? The simple answer really is - what's sexy is sexy, people are whom ever they want to be, and you see what ever you want to see, feel what ever you want to feel.

Cheers.

This is how I work it out in my own mind:

Transvestite - Someone who likes wearing women's clothes or perhaps acting like a woman, but is comfortable being a man and ultimately considers himself male. This can also work the other way around, as in a woman who likes to wear men's clothes, etc.

Transgendered - This is sort of the blanket term for anyone who feels as if they belong to a different gender than the one biologically assigned to them. These people can live and work as members of the opposite sex or keep their true natures totally bottled up (not mentally healthy).

Transsexual - Someone who is living as a member of the opposite sex in which they were born. May be pre-op or post-op.

Shemale - Only use this term when talking about adult film/magazine models within that venue. Don't ever call a transsexual woman a "shemale" who isn't involved in adult entertainment and, even if they are, don't use the term unless you're talking to them as a member of the adult entertainment profession.

But that's just how I think of it. I try not to use the term "shemale" at all because I think it's degrading in most circumstances and I only use it sparingly.

-Angel

Thanks for joining the discussion Angel. It sounds like you have a pretty good handle on things.

You get an A+

and Hugs 'n Kisses,

Kristy

I agree.
Good definitions!

An A+? Cool! Although I have to admit, Kristy, if my teachers in high school were as hot as you I think I would have had trouble concentrating.

But I try to avoid the term "shemale" just because I respect and admire transsexual girls so much that I don't want to do anything to degrade them. I think all real admirers should do the same.

Considerate guys are very refreshing.