Transvestites and Transsexuals

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xv

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2. Introduction

   • Richard F. Docter

   Pages 1-8

3. The Spectrum of Cross Dressing

   • Richard F. Docter

   Pages 9-38

4. A Review of the Literature on Transvestism and Transsexualism

   • Richard F. Docter

   Pages 39-71

5. Self and Identity

   • Richard F. Docter

   Pages 73-91

6. Sexual Excitement, Fetishism, and Pleasure

   • Richard F. Docter

   Pages 93-119

7. Research Results

   • Richard F. Docter

   Pages 121-165

8. Wives of Transvestites

   • Richard F. Docter

   Pages 167-193

9. A Theory of Heterosexual Transvestism and Secondary Transsexualism

   • Richard F. Docter

   Pages 195-215

10. Summary and Conclusions

    • Richard F. Docter

    Pages 217-227

11. Back Matter

    Pages 229-251

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The objective of this book is to propose a theory of transvestism and secondary transsexualism, and to provide information concerning these behaviors. My view of these topics is much like that of Benjamin (1966) and nearly all other gender researchers. It holds that a syndrome of similar behaviors can be identified, ranging from fetishism through transvestism, transgenderism, and secondary transsexualism. But de­ scription is one thing and explanation of causes is another. I agree with other gender researchers (e. g. , Green & Money, 1969; Stoller, 1985c) who have concluded that the causes of transvestism and transsexualism re­ main largely unknown. But the fact that we cannot fully explain the origins of transvestism or secondary transsexualism does not mean that a comprehensive theory is impossible. Indeed, excellent theoretical statements have been proposed concerning each of these topics (Ban­ croft, 1972; Buckner, 1970; Buhrich & McConaghy, 1977a; Money & Ehrhardt, 1972; Ovesey & Person, 1973, 1976; Person & Ovesey, 1974a,b; Stoller, 1968a, 1974, 1985c). It is with considerable respect, therefore, that we acknowledge both the strong shoulders on which we stand, and also the more practical fact that we have drawn heavily upon the many contributions of these researchers. The approach I have adopted has the same scientific difficulties that confronted all of these previous workers.

• Gender Research
• Syndrom
• etiology
• gender
• identity
• information
• research
• state
• sexual behaviour

• California State University, Northridge, USA

  Richard F. Docter

Policies and ethics