Malcolm Rivera
The term transgender refers to a person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. This term, often shortened to trans, has been increasingly preferred over transsexual, which is generally used to refer to transgender people who seek medical assistance to transition from one sex to another. Transgender people can have any sexual orientation and may use labels corresponding to their gender, rather than their assigned sex at birth. While being transgender is not considered a medical condition, many transgender people face physical and mental health challenges due to stigma and discrimination. To treat a transgender person with respect, it is important to use their chosen name and pronouns and to acknowledge their gender identity rather than their sex at birth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A person with a gender identity different from that typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. |
| Opposite of | Cisgender |
| Umbrella term? | Yes |
| Binary | Includes binary trans men and trans women |
| Non-binary | May also include people who are non-binary, genderqueer, third-gender, cross-dressers, drag queens, and drag kings. |
| Sexual orientation | Transgender people can have any sexual orientation, such as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, or queer. |
| Gender expression | May be expressed through behaviour, clothing, hairstyle, voice, or body characteristics. |
| Gender dysphoria | Not all transgender people experience gender dysphoria. |
| Treatment | All major medical organisations in the US recognise that living according to one's gender identity is an effective, safe, and medically necessary treatment for many people who experience gender dysphoria. |
| Discrimination | Transgender people may face discrimination when looking for a place to live, a job, or medical treatment. |
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What You'll Learn
- Transgender is an adjective, not a verb, and should not be used as a noun
- Transgender people have a gender identity different from that assigned at birth
- Transgender people may seek medical assistance to transition from one sex to another
- Being transgender is distinct from sexual orientation
- Transgender people come from all walks of life
Transgender is an adjective, not a verb, and should not be used as a noun
The word "transgender" is an adjective that describes a person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. It is not a verb and should not be used as a noun.
The term "transgender" became popular in the 1970s and acquired its modern umbrella meaning in the 1990s. While it is often shortened to "trans," it is important to understand that "transgender" is an adjective that modifies a noun. For example, one can say, "Max is a transgender man" or "Max is transgender," but it is incorrect to say, "Max is a transgender." The latter usage reduces a person to a single quality and denies their gender and humanity.
Many within the transgender community and organizations like GLAAD and The Guardian deprecate the usage of "transgender" as a noun. They emphasize that it is an adjective that describes an aspect of a person, similar to other adjectives like "green," "strong," or "female." It exists to modify and clarify the noun it is attached to.
It is also important to note that "transgender" should not be used as a verb. For example, it is incorrect to say, "She transgendered from male to female" or "They are transgendering." Instead, the correct verb form is "transition," as in, "She transitioned from male to female" or "He is thinking of transitioning."
In summary, "transgender" is an adjective that describes an individual's gender identity in relation to the sex they were assigned at birth. It is not a verb and should not be used as a noun. Respectful and accurate language is crucial when discussing transgender people and their experiences.
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Transgender people have a gender identity different from that assigned at birth
Assigned Female At Birth (AFAB), Assigned Male At Birth (AMAB), Designated Female At Birth (DFAB), and Designated Male At Birth (DMAB) are gender-inclusive terms that represent a person's sex assigned at birth. The opposite of transgender is cisgender, which describes individuals whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex at birth. People who are cisgender are also referred to as "cis" for short.
Transgender individuals may identify as transgender men or transgender women, and some may use terms such as "non-binary" or "genderqueer" to describe themselves. These individuals may express their gender identity through their appearance, behaviour, clothing, hairstyle, voice, or body characteristics. They may also choose a new name that aligns with their gender identity and use different pronouns. It is important to respect a transgender person's chosen name and pronouns and to treat them according to their gender identity rather than their sex at birth.
Not all transgender people experience gender dysphoria, which refers to the stress or anxiety associated with the discrepancy between one's gender identity and assigned sex at birth. However, for those who do experience gender dysphoria, living according to their gender identity, expressing their true gender, and, in some cases, taking medical steps to physically transition can provide relief. While being transgender is not considered a medical condition in itself, transgender individuals may face physical and mental health challenges due to stigma and discrimination.
It is important to distinguish between transgender and intersex identities. Intersex individuals have reproductive anatomy or genes that do not conform to typical male or female definitions, whereas transgender individuals typically have bodies and genes that match male or female categories at birth, but their internal gender identity differs.
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Transgender people may seek medical assistance to transition from one sex to another
Medical assistance for transgender individuals is often sought to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. This can involve various procedures or treatments depending on the individual's goals and needs. For example, hormone therapy can be used to develop physical characteristics typically associated with the desired gender. This may include the administration of estrogen or testosterone to promote the development of breasts or facial hair, respectively. These treatments can be life-altering for transgender individuals, helping to alleviate gender dysphoria and improve their overall well-being.
Sex reassignment surgery is another option for transgender individuals seeking to transition physically. This can involve a range of surgical procedures to alter primary and secondary sex characteristics. For transgender women, this may include facial feminization surgery, breast augmentation, or genital reconstruction surgery. For transgender men, procedures such as mastectomy, hysterectomy, or phalloplasty may be considered. It is important to recognize that not all transgender individuals desire or require surgery as part of their transition. Some may find comfort and relief through social and legal transitions alone.
The decision to pursue medical assistance for gender transition is deeply personal and varies for each transgender individual. It is influenced by various factors, including personal needs, financial considerations, and access to healthcare. Additionally, the process of transitioning is often complex and may involve a team of medical professionals, including therapists, endocrinologists, and surgeons. While transitioning can be a challenging journey, it can also bring immense relief and a sense of authenticity to transgender individuals.
In recent years, there has been growing awareness and acceptance of transgender individuals, leading to increased visibility and understanding of their experiences. However, transgender people still face significant discrimination and barriers to accessing medical care. Many healthcare providers are unfamiliar with the unique needs of transgender patients, and insurance coverage for transition-related care can be limited. Despite these challenges, transgender people continue to advocate for their rights and access to comprehensive healthcare that affirms their gender identity.
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Being transgender is distinct from sexual orientation
Transgender is a broad term that can be used to describe people whose gender identity is different from the gender they were assigned at birth. Assigned Female At Birth (AFAB), Assigned Male At Birth (AMAB), Designated Female At Birth (DFAB), and Designated Male At Birth (DMAB) are terms used to represent a person's sex assigned at birth. These terms are considered more gender-inclusive than biological male or female. The opposite of transgender is cisgender, which describes a person whose gender identity matches their assigned sex at birth.
Transgender people may seek medical assistance to transition from one sex to another and may identify as transsexual. However, not all transgender people experience gender dysphoria or serious anxiety due to the difference between their gender identity and their gender assigned at birth. For those who do experience gender dysphoria, living according to their gender identity is an effective, safe, and medically necessary treatment. This can include dressing, grooming, using different names or pronouns, and, in some cases, taking medical steps to physically change their bodies.
It is important to respect transgender people and address them according to their gender identity and chosen name and pronouns. Seeking counselling can help transgender individuals decide when to come out and deal with the stigma and discrimination they may face. While some people confuse being transgender with being intersex, the terms are distinct. Intersex people have reproductive anatomy or genes that do not fit typical male or female definitions, whereas transgender people typically have bodies and genes that match these definitions but know their gender identity to be different.
While transgender identity was historically conflated with homosexuality and transvestism, these are separate aspects of a person's identity. The belief that gender identity can be changed through therapy is rejected by the medical community, and attempts to do so can be harmful to transgender individuals' mental health. Instead, transgender people should be supported and treated with respect, and their chosen names, pronouns, and gender identities should be honoured.
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Transgender people come from all walks of life
The term "transgender" refers to people whose gender identity is different from the gender they were assigned at birth. This can include trans men and trans women, as well as people who are non-binary, genderqueer, or third-gender. It is important to note that transgender does not have a universally accepted definition, even among researchers. The opposite of transgender is cisgender, which describes people whose gender identity matches their assigned sex.
Transgender people can have any sexual orientation, such as heterosexual (straight), homosexual (gay or lesbian), bisexual, asexual, or queer. Their gender expression, or how they present their gender on the outside, may include behaviour, clothing, hairstyle, voice, or body characteristics that align with their gender identity rather than their assigned sex at birth. For example, a transgender man might adopt a masculine hairstyle and clothing to reflect his gender identity as a man.
While some transgender people seek medical assistance to transition from one sex to another, not all transgender people experience gender dysphoria or serious anxiety due to the difference between their gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. For those who do experience gender dysphoria, living according to their gender identity is an effective, safe, and medically necessary treatment, which can include social transition (such as using a different name or pronoun) and, for some, physical transition through medical interventions.
It is important to treat transgender people with respect and dignity, using the name and pronouns they have asked you to use. Many transgender people face discrimination and stigma, and it is crucial to protect their rights and ensure they are treated equally, regardless of their gender identity.
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Frequently asked questions
A transgender person has a gender identity that differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. The term "transgender" is an umbrella term, and people who are transgender can identify as trans men or trans women, or as non-binary, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, agender, bigender, or other identities.
Sex is a label (male or female) that a doctor assigns at birth based on the appearance of a baby's genitals. Gender identity, on the other hand, is a person's innate knowledge of their own gender.
It is important to use respectful terminology and treat transgender people as you would treat anyone else. This includes using the name and pronouns that the person has asked you to use. If you are unsure what pronouns a person uses, it is polite to ask.
