Cross-dressing is the act of wearing clothing associated with the opposite sex. The transgender community adopted the term in 1976, replacing the word transvestism, commonly used by the psychiatric community to describe a psychological disorder or perversion. Historically, cross-dressing has served those seeking to avoid military service, participate safely in demonstrations, and for religious practices. Today, in a movement to abolish outdated social conventions, individuals are proudly claiming their fundamental right to self-expression, and demanding to be accepted for who they truly are.
