What is transsexual? Explanation of meaning, etymology, and difference from transgender onee.

What is a transsexual?

Transsexual is a term that originated in Japan and has been used to refer to people whose physical sex at birth was male, but who operate with a feminine appearance and expression.
It is neither a medical diagnosis nor a legal classification.
It was popularized in the 1980s in the world of television and show business and is now widely known.

It is often used in business scenes such as show pubs, entertainment, and the adult entertainment industry, and in recent years, it has also been used as a self-description in the field of social networking and video distribution.

However, there is no uniform definition; some may identify themselves as transsexual, while others may not wish to be so called.

Etymology of the word "transsexual

The word "new half" is derived from "new half," a Japanese English word that originated from the image of "half man, half woman.
It is not a common term in English-speaking countries and requires supplementary explanation in the rest of the world outside of Japan.

Differences between transsexual and transgender women

Transgender women

Gender identity is female.
Not related to occupation
The presence or absence of medical treatment is not relevant to the definition.
Many people live their daily lives as women.

transwoman

The name was popularized in the Japanese commercial and media context.
Gender identity varies from person to person.
Easily focused on appearance and activity style
Regardless of their physical condition, some in the transsexual show pub/entertainment/sex industry have undergone medical procedures such as female hormone administration, orchiectomy, and vaginoplasty, while others have not.
A transsexual with a wife and children was once active in a show pub and appeared on TV.

Transgender is a "gender identity" concept, while transsexual is a "cultural designation" or "business designation.

Difference between transsexual and onee

The "onee" is primarily,
Feminine way of speaking
Gestures and inner life
Characteristics
This is a slang term referring to
It does not have to be feminine in appearance.
Those who have short hair and beards but only wear cute nail polish and lipstick or
Some people wear partial women's clothing, such as cute earrings.

Transsexual, on the other hand, is a term often used to describe people who operate with a feminine appearance.

Onee" is a "mode of expression" and "transsexual" is a "context of activity.

Before the term "transsexual" was coined - History of the term

Even before the spread of transsexualism, there were people who dressed and acted in feminine ways.
Postwar - 1970s
Blue Boy
male homosexual
Mr. Lady
These were used primarily in show business and bar culture.
Okama" is a slang term that contains discriminatory nuances and is not currently recommended.
1980s
The "transsexual" appeared on television and in the show-pub culture.
The name has become more widespread than the traditional designation as a way to revamp the image.
1990s - 2000s
It has become a general term in variety shows.
At the same time, "onee" and "gay" were treated interchangeably, and the confusion of concepts spread.
Since 2000s
The concept of "transgender" becomes socially recognized and reorganized around the axis of gender identity.

How is it understood abroad?

Transsexual is a Japanese word and is not generally understood in English-speaking countries.

Kathooey (Ladyboy)" in Thailand

A cultural category referring to a person who is male at birth and lives a feminine life.
It is similar in some respects to transsexualism, but has a different history and social positioning.

Transgender woman

A term used to refer to a person whose gender identity is female.
It is not a commercial designation, but a concept based on gender identity.

Shemale

It is a slang term that has been used in the English-speaking pornography industry.
It is a word coined by combining "she" (she) and "male" (male), and is now often considered discriminatory.
It is not an appropriate term to refer to transgender women or transsexuals.

Drag queen

Performing Arts and Performance Culture.
It is not directly related to gender identity.

Transsexuals do not fully identify with any of these.

Is transsexual a racist term?

When the person uses it as a title, it is not a problem, but when a third party uses it as a blanket title, some people find it offensive.
What is important is "how he/she calls himself/herself.

The most commonly misunderstood term is "trans woman who has undergone gender reassignment surgery" = "transsexual.
For example, a transgender woman who has undergone gender reassignment surgery and works as an office worker in a general business would not normally be referred to as "transsexual.

This is because the term "transsexual" is often used in a professional and cultural context and is not a concept that necessarily corresponds to gender identity or physical condition.

It is important to respect the person's own self-awareness.

summary

What is a transsexual?
Cultural designation originating in Japan No medical or legal definition
✔ Not synonymous with transgender women
✔ Different concept from onee
✔ Not a perfect match with any foreign language.
This is the word.

The term is not uniformly defined by physical condition or gender identity, but tends to be used by occupation or activity.
The term "transsexual" has also been born, spread, and changed its meaning over time.

Names and concepts change depending on the region, the time period, and the voices of the parties involved.
Knowing correctly is the first step in not hurting anyone.