There are countless ways to experience sexuality and one’s sexual identity. People who do not assume their sexual identity (male or female) and feel that they are the opposite sex have the option of living according to the patterns of the sex they wanted to be. One of the ways to understand sexual identity is cross-dressing. This option is also called transformism, the inclination to become a woman or a man using clothing, makeup and other accessories that are part of the successful physical transformation. Transvestism
The word transvestite comes from Italian and originally referred to a person who wore clothes of the opposite sex. However, transvestism goes beyond a simple change of image.
Difference between transvestism and transvestism
Although both terms are used synonymously in reality are different concepts. The transformist disguises himself as what he is not and in this way presents a show based on his change of image. On the other hand, the transvestite does not intend to play a role, but in reality to feel different in relation to their sexual image or identity. Transvestism
Different ways to understand transvestism
Transvestism cannot be explained with a simple definition. In fact, there are several ways to understand it. There are transvestite men who live like women, but do not renounce their masculinity. Another variant is transsexuality, which occurs when a man or a woman changes sex through medical treatment. On the other hand, there are gay, heterosexual or bisexual transvestites. The same way there are the Drag Queens. As can be seen, the issue of transvestism depends on each individual and how they feel about their experience as a transvestite.
Some studies point out that transvestism has a fetishistic ingredient and, therefore, it is not a question of sexual identity, but of a paraphilia.
Regardless of the approach to transvestism, this manifestation of sexuality is a way of expressing the individual’s personality. Transvestism
One of the earliest historical references to the transvestite can be found in the Greek mythology of Iphis
The humble couple formed by Ligdo and Teletusa awaited the birth of their child. The husband told the woman that if a girl was born, they would have to get rid of her, as they could not support her. Upon hearing the proposal, Teletusa was sad, but did not dare to contradict her husband because for him only a boy would be ideal. Before the arrival of her son, Teletusa had a dream in which the goddess Ío appeared, who told her not to worry about the child she was carrying, as she would watch over her. Finally, he gave birth to a beautiful girl, but he told everyone that it was a boy, which he named Iphis (this name was suitable for both genders). Transvestism
Iphis grew up as a man and when he reached adulthood his father decided he had to marry a beautiful young woman , Jante. Both Iphis and Jante felt mutually attracted. However, when the day of the wedding came, Iphis wept with bitterness, as he could never have her as a woman. Her desperation led her to the temple of the goddess Io to ask for help . The goddess accepted his request and made Jante become an attractive man, in this way, Iphis could possess his beloved Jante, only in the form of a man.