travesti

Travesti is a term used in Portuguese-speaking contexts, especially in Brazil, to describe a person assigned male at birth who identifies and presents as a woman. The term is sometimes used as a gender identity and social category, distinct from cisgender expectations, and not solely a matter of clothing or disguise. In everyday use, travesti can denote both gender presentation and community belonging, including shared cultural norms and spaces. Some individuals identified as travesti consider themselves women; others describe travesti as a gender identity that sits between traditional categories of man and woman, or as a specific social role within a broader gender spectrum. The term is not universal and attitudes toward it vary, with some affirming it as an important identity and others viewing it as outdated or stigmatizing.

Historically, travestis have been visible in Latin American urban nightlife and street economies, including entertainment and sex work; they have faced discrimination, violence, and legal challenges, while also forming advocacy groups and networks to promote health, rights, and safety.

Health and rights perspectives emphasize access to gender-affirming care, safe medical practices, and sexual health services. Legal recognition of gender identity varies by country and region, affecting name and gender marker changes, anti-discrimination protections, and access to services. Terminology varies: travesti is distinct from transsexual or transgender woman in some contexts, and from cross-dressing or drag in others. In English-language discourse, the term is often discussed as a regional gender identity and lived experience within Latin America.