


This term was historically used to diagnose psychiatric disorders (e.g. Its connotations largely changed in the 20th century as its use was more frequently associated with sexual excitement, otherwise known as transvestic disorder. Its first mention originated in Magnus Hirschfeld's Die Transvestiten (The Transvestites) in 1910, originally associating cross-dressing with non-heterosexual behavior or derivations of sexual intent. The terms used to describe it have changed throughout history the Anglo-Saxon-rooted term "cross-dresser" is viewed more favorably than the Latin-origin term " transvestite" in some circles, where it has come to be seen as outdated and derogatory. The phenomenon of cross-dressing is seen throughout recorded history, being referred to as far back as the Hebrew Bible. Cross-dressing is not synonymous with being transgender. The term "cross-dressing" refers to an action or a behavior, without attributing or implying any specific causes or motives for that behavior. Therefore, cross-dressing allows individuals to express themselves by acting beyond guidelines, views, or even laws defining what type of clothing is expected and appropriate for each gender. Īlmost every human society throughout history has had expected norms for each gender relating to style, color, or type of clothing they are expected to wear, and likewise most societies have had a set of guidelines, views or even laws defining what type of clothing is appropriate for each gender. From as early as pre-modern history, cross-dressing has been practiced in order to disguise, comfort, entertain, and express oneself. Cross-dressing is the act of wearing clothes traditionally or stereotypically associated with a different gender.
