Cross dresser

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Cross dresser or transvestite is a person who wears items of clothing not commonly associated with one's sex. Cross-dressing has been used for purposes of disguise, comfort, comedy, and self-expression in modern times and throughout history. The term "cross-dressing" refers to an action or a behavior, without attributing or implying any specific causes or motives for that behavior. Cross-dressing is not synonymous with being transgender.

The Oxford English Dictionary gives 1911 as the earliest citation of the term "cross-dressing", by Edward Carpenter: "Cross-dressing must be taken as a general indication of, and a cognate phenomenon to, homosexuality"The Oxford English Dictionary gives 1911 as the earliest citation of the term "cross-dressing". In 1928, Havelock Ellis used the two terms "cross-dressing" and "transvestism" interchangeably. Drag is a special form of performance art based on the act of cross-dressing. A drag queen is usually a male-assigned person who performs as an exaggeratedly feminine character, in heightened costuming sometimes consisting of a showy dress, high-heeled shoes, obvious make-up, and wig. A drag queen may imitate famous female film or pop-music stars.

Cross-dressing is a traditional popular trope in British comedy. TheCross-dressing is a traditional popular trope in British comedy. The Pantomime dame in British pantomime dates from the 19th century, which is part of the theatrical tradition of female characters portrayed by male actors in drag. Widow Twankey (Aladdin’s mother) is a popular pantomime dame: in 2004 Ian McKellen played the role. Pantomime dame in British pantomime dates from the 19th century, which is part of the theatrical tradition of female characters portrayed by male actors in drag. Widow Twankey (Aladdin’s mother) is a popular pantomime dame: in 2004 Ian McKellen played the role.

Cross dressing male as female at a party c 1984
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