I'm sure there is famous sketch where someone is explaining pantomime to an American. I thought it was Bob Newhart along the lines of his "Sir Walter Raleigh Monologue" but I can't see it mentioned so maybe it was a spoof.

It goes something like:
- So the principal boy ... is a girl dressed up as a boy
- Yes

- And the dame ... is a man dressed up as a woman
- Yes

- And you say that you allow children to see this?
- Yes!

No you are safe "panto-lovers" are not always transvestites!