Cross-dressing Outlaw

The Process of Realizing Collaborative Events and the Self-narrative by josōsha

Abstract

In this study, we focus on the collaborative, male cross-dressing community events that have been irregularly held since 2016 in Shinsekai, Osaka. From the interviews with people involved in this particular series of activities, we draw out the process of realizing these events and the self-narratives of the cross-dressers （josōsha）. Then, we consider how the different meanings of male cross-dressing are reconstructed.

First, these collaborative events were realized through shared interests and rational judgments. This connection was between josōsha, who wanted to increase the enjoyment associated with their solidarity, and those with commercial interests, who wanted to increase sales from a long-term perspective. Second, josōsha presented their transitioning process as a reversible one which can be switched between male and female; moreover, it can be an optimistic activity which can be easily accomplished.

These results indicate that the series of events were supported by the coexistence of the reconstruction of deviation as a recreational and economic activity. Additionally, the conversion of deviation to recreation was made possible by the differentiation from the fixed transitioning way. Josōsha has either tended to be marginalized by its medicalization or discriminated against by its criminalization. However, the abovementioned findings raise a new perspective which help to comprehend it.