Trannie Whore

Trannie whore is a slang formation that refers to a transsexual sex worker. Also popularly known as she males, trannie whores are most often in the preoperative stage of male to female (MTF) transsexuality, but living as women. Thus they appear to be women in most respects, but retain male genitalia.

Transsexuality, particularly in the preoperative stage, often leads to social ostracism, including employment discrimination. Additionally transsexuals (particularly MTF) are the object of sexual fantasy for many, thus making them particularly marketable in the sex industry. These factors lead many transsexuals to become sex workers. Others may choose to conceal their transsexual status and work as female prostitutes. Depending on the success with which they can pass as women, this can be effective in circumstances where the client does not wish to engage in intercourse. Because of the social pressures on transsexuals, many postoperative individuals continue as sex workers, but function as women, not as trannie whores.

Some transsexuals choose to remain in the preoperative stage in order to retain their marketability as trannie whores. They feature prominently in the adult video industry, and some have acquired a kind of fame in that arena. In general trannie whores who appear in film appeal to an idealized hermaphrodite fantasy; they have fully developed breasts and feminine features, while retaining fully functioning male genitalia. This physical appearance is often accomplished through a series of cosmetic surgeries, most often breast and cheek implants and removal of the Adam's apple.

see also Prostitution.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Califia, Pat. 1997. Sex Changes: The Politics of Transgenderism. San Francisco: Cleis Press.

Wilchins, Riki Anne. 1997. Read My Lips: Sexual Subversion and the End of Gender. Ithaca, NY: Firebrand Books.

                                              Brian D. Holcomb