offensive term sometimes used to refer to transgender women
compound of 'she' + 'male', emerged in late 20th century
This term is considered derogatory; 'transgender woman' is preferred
Pornographic term combining 'she' + 'male' that originated in adult content to denote trans women and intersex individuals. Frames non-cisgender identities primarily through sexual/biological lens, denying full personhood.
Avoid entirely. Use 'trans women,' 'intersex people,' or 'non-binary individuals' depending on context. Never use shemale outside of discussing the term's harm itself.
["trans women","intersex people","non-binary individuals"]
The term's prevalence has contributed to the hypersexualization of trans and intersex people, erasing their identities as full human beings with dignity beyond sexual categorization.
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