This has been discussed before in different ways but per comments from "Capndude" on another thread below where it was inappropriate to continue, so I will start a new one on this topic.

I mostly agree with capndude, and I admire him and the rest of you for your enjoyment, courage and explorations of the transgendered state.

Being transgendered is a very confusing and fluid subject that can be difficult for people who don't live it everyday, and those who do.  Humans have a need to catagorise things in order for our brains to process data.  You have to actively work to accept things which don't fit a catagory. I'm no different, I have trouble too, and I've actively worked on this a lot longer than most of you.  But understanding is the first step.

One of the big issues which constantly crops up in the sex industry is TS vs TV.  Often men have preconceived notions of what a TS should be or not, and when you date doesn't fit that catagory you feel deceived.

In many cases it IS deception by the escort.  There are men in drag playing on the TS "name" because they can make more money that as a gay escort. This is often where complaints arise.  The bait and switch.

It's generally accepted that a TS - transsexual is  someone who has changed their gender through the use of hormone therapy and/or surgery AND is someone who RELATES and LIVES life as a girl.  They may or may not desire to physically cut off the family jewels.  A TS may be in various stages of transition.  They may be full or part time.  They may be gorgeous, or plain, top or bottom.  They may like guys or girls, or both - but they are all TS.

While a TV - tranvestite is more generally someone who takes the characteristicts and dress of a female but who doesn't have the inate need or desire to actually "be" a girl.  And who doesn't take hormones or desire the physical changes.  They may be flambouyant, they may do it for fun or money.  They may transition at some point into being a TS.

A great example of the confusion caused by this is Frank Marino, the famous drag performer in Vegas.   He dresses up like girls specifically to do his show but lives and identifies as a man. (I read an interview of his once.)

People pay money to see him deceive them with his gender bending stage act.  But when you move the same thing into the realm of escorting it suddenly takes on a different dimension.

A Crossdresser is pretty much accepted to be a straight guy who enjoys dressing in female clothing on occasion for sexual enjoyment.  But where does crossdressing blurr into transvestism or transsexualism?  This is where confusion in catagorizing people occurs.

Besides growing boobs, hormones make physical changes in the brain.  "Real" TS's act and react to varying degrees like girls, not as men. A perfect example is awhile back I had lunch with another provider, a good looking and well known  t-girl from LA who has had boob and facial surgery but doesn't take hormones.  A cute girl walked by us and we both noticed her.  I was thinking, "gosh I wish my ass looked that good."  And my friend blurts out just like a guy, "God I'd like to f**k her!"

I rest my case...  giggle.

If anyone wants to explore this in depth the best dissertation I've read is on Wikipedia below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transsexual

PS - I identify as a TS, I take hormones and have real boobs.  I do plan to have some extensive facial work a boob job and sex change early next year if things work out. -  So anyone wanting a before and after expereince, now's your chance!

Giggle,
TS Jamie

in the industry TS is pretty much as you described, and essentially means that the girl has boobs... maybe hormonal, maybe inserts, maybe both.  They generally, though not always, have their own hair (ie... don't need to wear wigs to look like a girl)... genitals are defined by Pre-Op (still have penis) or Post-Op (the willie is gone).  Sociologically, or psychologically, a TS signifies a transSexual and is pretty much as you described.  A TV, however, has a different meaning.... a person who derives sexual pleasure from wearing the clothing of the opposite gender.  Most of the TVs who are in the industry do not really meet this definition... the clothing is not the fascination.  A crossdresser wears the clothing of the opposite gender, not necessarily for the sexual turn-on of the clothing.  Frank Marino is not any of the above... he is a Female Impersonator... he performs on stage as specific characters.  A Drag Queen is a bit different still... a DQ performs onstage also, but may or may not personify a specific character, and the intent is more for the high camp than the actual illusion.  Most FIs and DQs can't wait to get the makeup and clothing off as soon as the show is over.  Many are gay men, some are straight men.  TG, Transgender is a much more complicated, or maybe even simple, term and can include TS as well as CDs who wish to live as the opposite gender.  Opposite is defined, herein, as the opposite from the birth-assigned gender.  A TG may or may not be on hormones, may or may not wish to have the penis removed, may or may not want to grow boobs... but mentally and emotionally relates better as the opposite gender.  If any of this is clear, then you aren't paying attention... gender is a very complicated subject.  Helen Boyd does a very good job of laying it all in her two books, My Husband Betty, and She's Not the Man I Married.

Thanks Trannymae for the additional descriptions.  Yeah, I Female Impersonator - that's the term I was looking for to really describe Frank Marino, thanks.

TS Jamie