In an escort advert, TS means transsexual, and it tells you the escort is a trans woman. The word comes from medicine, it is still the usual label in adverts, and many trans people now prefer “trans”. This guide explains TS and the other words in the same adverts, including the ones that are offensive.
TS
TS is short for transsexual, an older word for someone who lives as a gender different from the one assigned at birth, and often for someone who has medically transitioned. Adverts and searches still use it. Many trans people prefer “trans woman” or “trans”, and some use “TS” for themselves, so use the word the person uses.
Trans woman and trans escort
A trans woman is a woman whose gender identity differs from the sex she was assigned at birth. “Trans escort” means an escort who is a trans woman. It is the respectful word and the safest one to use.
T-girl
Short for trans girl. It is an informal word used in adverts and on dating sites for a trans woman. It is fine to use if she uses it.
TV and CD
TV stands for transvestite and CD for crossdresser. Both describe a person who dresses in clothes associated with another gender, often without being a trans woman, so neither is the same as TS. Many people now find “TV” dated, and CD is the more usual word.
Shemale
A word from the adult industry that many trans people find demeaning, because it describes a person by her body and not as a woman. It is common in adverts and in searches, which is why this guide mentions it. Do not use it in a message or in person.
Ladyboy
An English word, from Thailand, for a trans woman, the Thai word being kathoey. Adverts use it mostly for Thai and other East Asian trans women. Some people find it demeaning, so “trans woman” is safer unless she uses the word herself.
Tranny
A slur. Do not use it.
Pre-op, post-op and non-op
These words refer to surgery: before it, after it, or without it. Adverts use them, but they describe private medical facts. Do not ask about them unless the person raises them.
Which words to use
- Use “trans woman” or “trans escort”, unless she uses another word for herself.
- Use the name and pronouns on the profile.
- Leave out “shemale” and “tranny”.
- Do not ask about surgery or hormones.
Being attracted to trans women is common. What matters is how you treat the person. TS escorts in the UK covers booking and the law, trans escorts in London covers London, and the escort shorthand guide has the other abbreviations.