So someone asked me to explain the differences between transgender and transsexual and this is the diagram I came up with in an attempt to describe queer in general.
Please let me know if you disagree.
Anyway here is my explanation for those of you who learn better from reading:
Taking definitions directly from my LGBTQ Psych book:
“Transsexuals experience a discrepancy between their gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth and often seek treatment to modify their body. The term transgender is often used to describe people who live outside of dominant gender norms without seeking surgical intervention; it is also used as an umbrella term to describe all those people whose gender identity does not mesh with their assigned sex.”
Basically the main difference is that transsexuals generally (THOUGH NOT ALWAYS) feel the need to alter their bodies (surgically or otherwise) to better suit their desired gender. They actually fall into the category of transgender, but are a more specific category, just as gay falls under queer, but is not the only thing that falls under queer.
Please keep in mind that some people identify as transgender and some identify as transsexual or identify as neither and fall under another label, or prefer no label at all! For example, I identify as genderqueer. If you are unsure of someone’s identification, just ask them POLITELY and I’m sure they will be happy to tell you so long as you are accepting of them and USE CORRECT PRONOUNS! Using correct pronouns for someone is not optional and it’s disrespectful to them as a person if you refuse to use the pronouns they prefer.
Please take note that these two terms do not necessarily have anything to do with sexuality, by the way. Some trans people identify as hetero, LGBQ, or choose to remain without a label.