Cross-sexual
The term 'cross-sexual' is an antiquated and largely superseded term used to describe individuals whose gender identity is incongruent with the sex they were assigned at birth. It encompasses various experiences of gender variance, primarily focusing on the internal sense of being a different gender than the one assigned. While once a broader category, the term is considered less precise than more modern and specific language, and is no longer frequently used within the LGBTQIA+ community. The term has lost popularity as newer, more accurate terms have arisen such as trans, genderfluid, or nonbinary individuals. Its historical relevance is limited to academic research and understanding the evolution of gender identity language.
Cross-sexual meaning with examples
- Historical texts may discuss 'cross-sexual' individuals, but contemporary language favors terms like 'transgender'. While the medical community may have used the term at some points, it is no longer generally accepted and is considered outdated. Modern transgender identity and medical terminology use trans, or non binary to express gender identity.
- Researchers studying the history of gender identity might analyze case studies of individuals labeled 'cross-sexual' in past publications. The term is often regarded to be overly broad in nature. The modern understanding of cross sexual identities are now categorized by their more accurate identifications.
- Understanding the etymology of 'cross-sexual' is vital for appreciating how language evolves around gender identity. It demonstrates how perspectives shift as people begin to understand identity and the words we use, especially from the medical field. The medical field's acceptance of the trans identity and its language helped evolve that understanding
- The 'cross-sexual' label might have been applied, erroneously, to individuals who are now recognized as genderfluid, or non-binary, reflecting limited understanding at the time. It's essential to understand the context of its past use. People didn't know they could categorize gender in different ways and used what they could.
- In the context of early psychological studies on gender identity, 'cross-sexual' could be used to refer to individuals seeking medical interventions like hormone therapy. It's no longer used because it does not capture the variety of trans and gender non conforming identities that the modern world knows.
Cross-sexual Synonyms
trans
transgender (outdated context)
transsexual (outdated context)