Transgender
Across the world the words used for transgender people vary a lot depending on culture, language and social environment. Some terms are traditional cultural identities that existed for centuries. Others come from nightlife scenes, prostitution environments or the adult industry.
Contents
Cultural and Regional Terms
Many cultures have long recognized gender identities outside the typical male–female categories.
| Term | Region | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hijra | South Asia (India, Pakistan) | A legally recognized third gender in several South Asian countries. Hijras traditionally had ceremonial or religious roles, although many today survive through begging, entertainment or sex work. |
| Muxe | Mexico (Oaxaca) | A traditional Zapotec identity. Muxes are people assigned male at birth who take on roles or appearance usually associated with women. |
| Kathoey | Thailand | Often translated as ladyboy. The word is widely used in Thailand and may refer to transgender women or very feminine gay men. In tourist nightlife districts the word is strongly associated with cabaret shows, bars and the adult entertainment scene. |
| Two-Spirit | North America | A term used by some Indigenous communities in North America for people who hold a traditional gender role combining masculine and feminine traits. |
| Travesti | South America | A gender identity used mainly in Latin America. Travesti often refers to people assigned male at birth who live in a feminine role and form a distinct social and political identity. |
| Māhū | Hawaii and Polynesia | A traditional Polynesian identity describing people who embody both male and female traits and historically acted as cultural teachers or caretakers. |
Adult Industry Terminology
The adult industry uses its own vocabulary which is mostly driven by marketing and search terms.
- Shemale – A porn category term used for performers who look female but still have male genitalia. The word is common in porn advertising and escort listings.
- TS (Transsexual) – A tag frequently used in escort ads and adult videos.
- Ladyboy – A widely used label in adult entertainment involving performers from Southeast Asia, especially Thailand.
- Tranny – A slang term that appears frequently in porn searches and street talk but is considered insulting in normal conversation
Street and Nightlife Terminology
In nightlife areas and prostitution scenes the language tends to be much more direct and local.
- Newhalf – A Japanese term used for transgender women, particularly those working in hostess bars, cabaret clubs and adult entertainment.
- Bakla – A Filipino word often used for feminine men or transgender women. Depending on tone it can be neutral or insulting.
In many red-light districts and street prostitution areas the language used by clients is much rougher than the terminology used in everyday conversation.
Transgender People in Nightlife and Dating Apps
In many cities transgender women are part of nightlife scenes, cabaret shows, bars, massage venues and escort advertising. Travelers often encounter them through nightlife districts, street prostitution areas or online platforms.
Dating platforms such as Tinder and other Dating Apps are widely used by transgender people. In tourist areas these apps are also used by escorts and independent freelancers advertising meetings or paid encounters.
In places such as Thailand, transgender performers are highly visible in nightlife zones and entertainment districts. In other cities they may appear mostly through escort ads, dating apps or club scenes.
Because of this overlap between nightlife, dating apps and prostitution, scams sometimes occur. Related issues are discussed under Dating App Scams and Risks and Escort and Sex scams.
General Usage
- Modern umbrella terms: transgender, trans, trans woman, trans man, transvestism.
- Cultural identities: Hijra (South Asia), Muxe, Two-Spirit, Māhū and similar regional identities.
- Adult-industry slang: shemale, ladyboy, TS and other search tags used in pornography and escort advertising.
