TRANSSEXUALISM

Consistently strong desire to change ones anatomic sex and belong to the opposite sex, to change gender and do so by all available means (including surgery, hormonal treatment, dress, and life style). "Trans-" is related to the Latin verb "transire", meaning "to pass or cross over, or pass beyond." In transsexualism, one crosses over or passes beyond ones sex to the opposite sex. Transsexualism is thus distinct from mere cross-dressing which is termed transvestism (from the Latin "vestitus" meaning "clothed"). (A publicized instance of transsexualism involved the ophthalmologist Dr. Richard Raskind who became the professional tennis player, Renée Richards, on the ladies’ tour.)