Understanding the GLBTTI Rainbow

Understanding the GLBTTI Rainbow

Female

FtM TS

Female IS

F Androgyne

IS Androgyne

M Androgyne

Male IS

MtF TS

Male

Heterosexual

M or F

F or M

Heterosexual

Bisexual

F or M

M or F

F or M

M or F

Bisexual

Effeminate Lesbian

Masc.Gay

Fem. Lesb.

Masculine Gay

Masculine Lesbian

Fem. Gay

Masc.Lesb.

Effeminate Gay

In the spectrum between what iis traditionally considered "Normal", to use the term loosely, there are many varieties of TG, TS and IS people.

This chart shows some of the more common possibilities in the spectrum between male and female.
The F and M in the center represent what their preference would be in a relationionship.
The letters F and M, show what is typically assumed about that type of person.

Myth: Most people believe that being GLBTTI is a choice.

Fact: It is a a mentality or physical condition from birth.
The only "currently thought of" possibility where it could be a choice, is that if a borne homosexual person was raised in such a homophobic environment, that may instill apon them to become either a TV (TransVestite) or a CD (CrossDresser). So they may develop their feelings so they believe they aren't in a homosexual relationship.

Some basic universal definitions

Trans Prefix - Across
ex. I took a Trans-Pacific flight from the US to Thailand.
Inter Prefix - Between
ex. The InterNet is a connection between computers networked (connected) together.
Gender Set in the mind, you are a man, a woman or androgyne(see below)
Sex Physical characteristics, (primary) - sex organs (genitals) and (secondary) - other features such as build, shape, breasts, etc...

Below are my personal definitions to these words. Clicking on the link will take you to the definition as per Wikepedia. Like all variations, there are many things I still have yet to fully understand about Transgendered persons. Please note, this is only my current (October 2004) opinion for what I have learned in the part year. If you feel that something must be corrected, please me send an email regarding your opinion. I, by no means, wish to offend anybody.

TransGender A transgender person, is one who in some way either in a small degree or varying up to nearly 99% feels themselves to be a part of the opposite gender. However, they will not commit themselves to undergo SRS, Sexual Reassignment Surgery. Thus, the common belief that TG and TS are the same is in error.

CrossDresser (Transgender)
A CrossDresser is one, who by some reason lives an average life as a man or a woman, but for some reason, must dress as the opposite gender, for reasons of it being necessary for one's job, to feel complete with oneself, to express their feminie/masculine side, among some others. They typically live in the closet and only go out to places where they might not be seen by those they know. Unless they have come out about being CD.

Transvestite (TransGender)
A Transvestite in one who steps beyond crossdressing. They usually start taking steps to make themselves look more feminine or masculine. This could be done by living in the closet, or coming out full-time. In the process of transitioning, they may take hormones and have some sugeries performed. Those that come out are often refered to as shemales, t-girls, etc. They may undergo a range of treatments in their transitioning, but they will not undergo SRS. The term "non-operative" Transsexual is sometimes used for them. Yet, Transsexual means that SRS is done and the term is invaild. Transvestites are often considered gay men. Yet, many homosexual men do not like femininity. In the argument that being GLBT is environmentally induced, my only thought would be that some TVs were gay, but a homophobic environment may have coersed them into thinking if they change gender, it's not really a homosexual act. But, they will still have their born genitalia.
TVs are often considered to be flamboyant, over-expressive and deep into fetishism.

Transsexual
A Transsexual is a person, who completely embraces their gender and wishes to change their life to match their body's sex to their gender. Transsexuals are either MtF, Male to Female or FtM, Female to Male.
There are two kinds of transsexuals; Pre-op and Post-op. Both terms indicating the persons status as of having the SRS peformed or not
Surgical Procedures-
MtF - There are a few steps in this surgery. First is an orchidectomy (removal of the gonads) and the removal of the erectile tissue. Next, an opening is formed in the perinial muscle into the pelvic cavity. In this, the scrotal and penile skin will be inverted to form the vaginal canal. Some of this tissue is also used to form the labia and clitoris. Breast Augmentation (Implants) are optional. However, most MtF chose to have them.
FtM - This surgery is more complicated as there is more involved. One of the earlier steps would be a masectomy, the removal of the breast tissue. And if needed, Nipple reduction surgery. After that, a hysterectomy is performed. The removal of all the reproductive organs; ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus. The vagina is also removed and the vaginal cavity is closed. After that, a skin graph from the inside of the forearm is used to create the penile skin and then attached.
The final goal of a transsexual is to live the life they were denied at birth. To have the life as the man or woman they know themselves to be.

Intersexual
An Intersexed person is one that who was born with primary or secondary sex characteristics that match both genders. They are born with with a physical mix of sexes. Whereas TransSexual and TransGender are a mix between physical and mental.

Androgyne
An Androgyne person is one who has no defined gender. They have mental characteristics of both a man and a woman. And, as such, they could easily live the life of either, depending on their physical build.

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