Transsexual and Transgender

This week I used the term transsexual and there was a question as to whether this is the same (or even a slur) as transgender. From what I've read and understand Transgender is for someone who identifies differently from their biological sex whereas Transsexual is someone who physically transitions from male to female or vice versa.

This is an area where definitions are changing rapidly and maybe my understanding has been superceded by another definition or maybe the terms are not fully accepted by all. No offense or derogation was implied or thought. The ideas are contemporary and used to invite discussion on the importance of sex and gender in a future society.

Interesting !

I didn't have the time to explain my thought during the class but I'll share the definition of Wiktionary (english version of Wikipedia I guess) :
"Although some authors distinguish transsexual (pertaining to physical sex) and transgender (pertaining to gender), transgender is generally taken to encompass transsexual and has largely displaced it ; transsexual is now often considered outdated, although some people who have undergone SRS still prefer it; compare the usage notes at transgender."

I did some research and it's mostly considered as outrageous in Francophone countries.
I didn't want to blame anybody who's using this term because it's still correct, especially if you're using it without knowing the importance of "gender" instead of "sexual" (it removes the sexual side of this, because we know how much it can be fantasized). But sometimes, homophobic (lgbt+phobic) are using "travesti.e." or "transexual" in order to be mean at those persons...

There are different types of trans identity. Btw, getting the physical operation is a real struggle. People has to do a therapy, to takes medicine, to be followed by a lot of doctors... It's easier to be transgender and keep the biological sex.

Long long topic really pleasant to discuss but I miss time.

Interesting topic. I've never asked myself if transgender has a different signification of transsexual. In fact I don't really have knowledge about these different meanings, I used to say "trans". So I'm glad to learn something.
This topic has led to questions about drag queens. I was wondering if drag queens were considered as transgender: according to Wikipedia the answer is no.
So now I'm informed, I'll be vigilant if I have to use these terms.

Hey,

Talking about that, I often go to Twitter where the LGBTQ community is very present, and I often see tweets passing where people get yelled at because they confuse some gender, or sexual orientations.
I understand that this is evolving and that people can identify themselves with other than the 2 simple reductive gender that have always existed, however, I do not understand this wickedness to attack people who are not really aware of all these gender and sexual orientation possibilities .. Myself I don't understand anything about all this and I'm afraid to ask because people are quickly offended if you don't understand and you ask questions .. while I find that natural to want to learn .. I am already going on the internet to watch sexual orientations and I came across a number of possibilities unbelievable! I would love to have a book, a documentary or something that explains the different orientations and the different genders and I think it would be useful for many, even to find yourself.