A cross-dresser uses clothing associated with the opposite sex for artistic performances. This word is usually associated with transvestite, although they are different concepts, and understanding the characteristics of each one is necessary.
A cross-dresser becomes another person to entertain and perform. That is why they use make-up and dress up. However, once the performance is over, they go back to their everyday life. In that everyday life, they can exercise the gender expression that adapts to their gender identity without using clothing associated with the other gender.
Some cross-dressers express that they feel that they are part of an LGBTIQ+ subgroup, with its own characteristics. Within the world of cross-dressers, a person can identify with multiple gender expressions (see drag queen and drag king, among others). Being a cross-dresser does not imply a specific sexual orientation.
Today, cross-dressers have greater presence in the media. Examples include Conchita Wurst in Europe, Miuka Underground in Argentina, and Pablo Vittar in Brazil.
Identidades sexuales: Identidad de género, orientación sexual, rol de género.
Photo credit: Jaguar PS