De Savitsch (1958) noted that "in some women, like George Sand, transvestism may be limited to the adoption of a masculine name only." In other women, like Joan of Arc, the inner yearnings to be a man were focused on her wearing of male clothing. Indeed, Mary Walker "became the first American woman to be commissioned an Army Surgeon and the only woman expressly granted Congressional permission to wear man's clothing" and who "in spite of considerable hostility and ostracism continued to dress and act as a man."

Historical, literary, and mythological examples There is considerable historical, literary, and mythological evidence suggesting that women have successfully impersonated men, cross-dressed as men, and wished to change their sex. Vague (1956) has described the phenomenon of female gender role and identity disturbances as not of recent origin but "un mal ancien."