PSYCHOLOGY OF CROSS-DRESSING

Cross-dressing is the wearing of clothes traditionally worn by members of the other sex. It is a practice documented for centuries, and one often linked stereotypically with perversion, fetishism, exhibitionism, sexual deviation, and homosexuality. Currently, cross-dressing itself is not considered a disorder, but in some people cross-dressing behavior may impair functioning and quality of life and/or result in anxiety and distress. Defense mechanisms are psychological tactics employed by the unconscious mind to protect the individual from anxiety and social consequences, as well as from situations one is unable to cope with at the current time. This article illustrates the case of a 26-year-old male, with a self-professed male gender identity, who dresses publically in women’s clothing, but not for reasons typically assumed about cross-dressers. This article proposes that the behavior constitutes a defense mechanism to suppress his feelings about the death of his mother. In studying this individual, we shed light on the nuanced nature of transvestism, and how it might serve a purpose more profound than those expected by societal stereotypes.