Cross-dressing

Cross-dressing is when someone wears clothes that are commonly associated with the opposite sex."cross-dress." The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 

Cross-dressing is often done to create a transgender identity. It has also been used for disguise, comfort and in the performing arts in modern times and in history. In theatre, a male role played by a woman is called a Breeches role.

A Japanese term and subculture for men who cross-dress as women is otoko-no-ko. In the west, young men who do this are sometimes called femboys.

Cross-dressing is sometimes viewed negatively due to going against gender norms, especially in regards to men. Drag queens and kings use cross-dressing to make fun of this.

References


Category:Clothing controversies