A transvestite is a man or woman who temporarily adopts the role of the opposite sex. 
In the main, a transvestite is a man who adopts the role of a female, including women’s clothing and often a female name, but still knows himself to be a male. Very rarely is a woman who adopts a masculine mode of dress referred to as a transvestite, although cases are known. 
However, a male to female TRANSSEXUAL person knows him(her)self to be a woman. The reverse is the case for female to male transsexual.

• Is it medically recognised?

A gay man is sexually attracted to men rather than women. However a male to female transsexual person feels him(her)self to be female, and would wish his (her) partner to treat them as a woman. A female to male transsexual person would wish his(her) partner to treat them as a man.

• Is Transsexualism an illness or not?

No, although it is a medical condition, it is not an illness. One cannot just "catch" transsexualism or for that matter, transvestism. 
There is considerable medical and sociological evidence to show that transsexual people are born, not made, possibly because of genetic or foetal disorder. Most transsexual people are well-balanced individuals.

• Are Doctors able to cure transsexuality?

Gender identity can’t be changed by any known therapy. However, physical treatment, which alters the body to fit the mind, is usually helpful, enabling the transsexual person to lead a full and contented life as a member of their ‘true sex’. Such treatment is call a sex change or gender reassignment.

• What is gender reassignment or sex change?

Both male to female, and female to male transsexual’s people can take artificial hormones, which alter secondary sexual characteristics such as body shape and also some body chemistry. Male to female transsexuals undergo electrolysis or laser treatment to remove the facial hair. Surgery can be performed, for Male to Females; this involves an operation, during which a surgeon removes the testes and transforms the skin of the penis and scrotum into a vagina, which, from the outside looks natural like any female. Female to male are less fortunate, they can have their wombs removed, but the operation to create a penis is much more difficult and many people prefer not to take the risk. If they do undergo an operation to construct a penis, have to undergo many operations for a penis to be constructed.

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