The Library of Congress > Linked Data Service > LC Subject Headings (LCSH)

Cross-dressers


  • Here are entered works on persons who assume a dress and manner not generally associated with their gender for psychological gratification. Works on entertainers, especially women, who perform with over-the-top male clothing and exaggerated mannerisms are entered under [Drag kings.] Works on entertainers, especially men, who perform with over-the-top female clothing and exaggerated mannerisms are entered under [Drag queens.] Works on men who dress as women for the purpose of playing a theatrical role, as a disguise, or as a humorous or political statement are entered under [Female impersonators.] Works on women who dress as men for the purpose of playing a theatrical role, as a disguise, or as a humorous or political statement are entered under [Male impersonators.]
  • URI(s)

  • Variants

    • Crossdressers
    • Transvestites
  • Broader Terms

  • Exact Matching Concepts from Other Schemes

  • Closely Matching Concepts from Other Schemes

  • Narrower Concepts from Other Schemes

  • Earlier Established Forms

    • Transvestites
  • Sources

    • found: Work cat.: Allen, M. Transformations : men who dress as women, 1989.
    • found: HCL.
    • found: Random House.
    • found: Web. 3.
    • found: LC database, Mar. 25, 1997(cross-dressers; crossdressers)
    • found: Trans Student Educational Resources, WWW site, Mar. 31, 2017:(Cross-dressing (also crossdressing): The act of dressing and presenting as a different gender. One who considers this an integral part of their identity may identify as a cross-dresser. "Transvestite" is often considered a pejorative term with the same meaning. Drag performers are cross-dressing performers who take on stylized, exaggerated gender presentations (although not all drag performers identify as cross-dressers). Cross-dressing and drag are forms of gender expression and are not necessarily tied to erotic activity, nor are they indicative of one's sexual orientation or gender identity. Do NOT use these terms to describe someone who has transitioned or intends to do so in the future.)
    • found: GLAAD Media Reference Guide, WWW site, Mar. 31, 2017:Glossary of terms (Cross-dresser; While anyone may wear clothes associated with a different sex, the term cross-dresser is typically used to refer to men who occasionally wear clothes, makeup, and accessories culturally associated with women. Those men typically identify as heterosexual. This activity is a form of gender expression and not done for entertainment purposes. Cross-dressers do not wish to permanently change their sex or live full-time as women. Replaces the term "transvestite")
    • found: National Center for Transgender Equality, WWW site, Mar. 31, 2017:(Cross-dresser: A term for people who dress in clothing traditionally or stereotypically worn by the other sex, but who generally have no intent to live full-time as the other gender. The older term "transvestite" is considered derogatory by many in the United States)
    • notfound: IAC
  • LC Classification

    • HQ76.97-HQ77.2
  • General Notes

    • Here are entered works on persons who assume a dress and manner not generally associated with their gender for psychological gratification. Works on entertainers, especially women, who perform with over-the-top male clothing and exaggerated mannerisms are entered under [Drag kings.] Works on entertainers, especially men, who perform with over-the-top female clothing and exaggerated mannerisms are entered under [Drag queens.] Works on men who dress as women for the purpose of playing a theatrical role, as a disguise, or as a humorous or political statement are entered under [Female impersonators.] Works on women who dress as men for the purpose of playing a theatrical role, as a disguise, or as a humorous or political statement are entered under [Male impersonators.]
  • Example Notes

    • Notes under [Drag kings; Drag queens; Female impersonators; Male impersonators]
  • Instance Of

  • Scheme Membership(s)

  • Collection Membership(s)

  • Change Notes

    • 2006-02-08: new
    • 2021-03-05: revised
  • Alternate Formats