Cross-Dresser

A person who wears clothing typically associated with a different gender, for any reason - comfort, expression, performance, or enjoyment. An expression, not an identity in itself, and does not indicate transgender identity or sexual orientation.

Cross-dressing is documented across virtually every culture and throughout recorded history. The clinical term "transvestism" was coined by Magnus Hirschfeld in 1910; "cross-dresser" is the current preferred term as "transvestite" is considered outdated and offensive.

Cross-dressing describes behavior. It is not the same as being transgender (a gender identity). Many cross-dressers identify firmly with their assigned gender.

• "Cross-dressers are transgender." Cross-dressing is an expression or behavior; transgender is an identity. Most cross-dressers are cisgender.
• "Cross-dressing indicates sexual orientation." Cross-dressing says nothing about who a person is attracted to; cross-dressers of every orientation exist.