Transvestite / TV

Transvestite is a historical term for a person who wears clothing culturally associated with the other gender. The abbreviation TV is sometimes used for this. The term does not necessarily describe a gender identity; it first and foremost refers to a style or practice related to clothing and appearance. Today it is used only with caution, as it may be considered outdated or imprecise.

The earlier assumption that transvestites feel “trapped in the wrong body” or express their “true gender” through clothing is not generally accurate from a contemporary perspective. Clothing does not reliably indicate either gender identity or sexual orientation. For describing identity, more precise terms such as trans, transgender, or non-binary are usually more appropriate today; the person’s own self-designation remains decisive.