Sexual behaviors such as those outlined above are so solidly fixed in a person's general personality and psyche that it is usually neither desirable nor possible to change them. Many forms of therapy have failed to effect a lasting change although the behavior may temporarily cease, especially if the person is under extreme pressure to stop. Transgendered persons are not dangerous to other people. They are not exhibitionists, voyeurs or child molesters. In this society there is more concern about males crossdressed as females than the reverse situation.
Few laws exist that specifically prohibit crossdressing behavior.
Usually a cross dressed male's legal problems fall into the category of disorderly conduct or a similar catch-all statute. Special consideration should be given to any partner of a transgendered person because this behavior can be very threatening to the partner's self image and sexuality. Thus, transgender behaviors are a problem because they go against socially established behaviors for men and women. The harm to the individual is often guilt and fear. Because the behavior is deeply ingrained and often obsessive, the person is helpless to stop the behavior.