Can fetishism occur in transsexuals?

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Sexual Medicine
• Gender Identity Studies

Background:

• Transsexualism and transvestism are distinct gender identity and expression categories.
• The association between these conditions and fetishism requires further clarification.
• Existing diagnostic frameworks may not fully encompass the spectrum of gender-related experiences.

Observation:

• A review of literature on transsexualism, transvestism, and fetishism was conducted.
• Sexual arousal, specifically to women's clothing, is a common feature in the histories of individuals with transsexualism.
• Detailed characteristics of 12 male subjects exhibiting sexual arousal to women's clothing, alongside a persistent cross-gender identity and desire for sex reassignment surgery, are presented.

Findings:

• The 12 subjects presented with a unique combination of cross-gender identity, desire for surgical transition, and fetishistic interests (sexual arousal to women's clothing).
• Current diagnostic categories for individuals who cross-dress were found to be insufficient for classifying these subjects.
• The findings suggest that fetishistic features do not necessarily preclude a diagnosis of transsexualism.

Implications:

• The study challenges the premature exclusion of individuals with fetishistic traits from the definition of transsexualism.
• It highlights the need for nuanced diagnostic criteria in gender identity disorders.
• Further research is warranted to understand the complex interplay between gender identity, sexual arousal, and cross-dressing behaviors.