transsexual

The term transsexual originated in the medical and psychological fields in the early 20th century, notably popularized by Dr. Harry Benjamin in the 1960s. Historically, it was the primary clinical label used to describe individuals who experience a conflict between their assigned sex at birth and their gender identity, specifically those seeking medical intervention such as hormone therapy or surgery to permanently alter their bodies.

Today, usage of the word is divided and context-dependent. It is widely considered outdated or offensive by many in the LGBTQ+ community and major media style guides, as it carries historical baggage related to the pathologization of trans identities and implies that medical transition is a requirement for validity. Consequently, transgender has replaced it as the preferred umbrella term. However, some individuals—particularly older generations or those who wish to emphasize the medical nature of their transition—specifically reject "transgender" and reclaim "transsexual" to distinguish their experiences of physical dysphoria from the broader social spectrum of gender nonconformity.

Example:
"While the university updated its handbook to use 'transgender,' several alumni wrote in stating they still identified with the older term transsexual."

Example:
"The memoir explored her journey in the 1970s, a time when the diagnosis of being a transsexual was the only path to accessing medical care."