Transgender Facts
What It Means to Be Transgender
Transgender describes people whose gender identity does not match the sex assigned to them at birth. Transgender people can be women, men, or identify differently from the usual labels of male and female. Some identify outside of the typical categories and might use terms like non-binary or genderqueer.
Gender diverse describes people who express their gender in ways that do not follow traditional expectations. For example, someone might dress or behave in ways that differ from what society expects for boys or girls. Not everyone fits into the idea that there are only two genders. This is called moving beyond the gender binary.
A person’s gender identity is how they understand their own gender on the inside. This can be different from how they look on the outside or from the sex listed on their birth certificate. People may show their gender through their clothes, hairstyle, voice, and how they act. This is called gender expression. Transgender people include:
- Those whose gender identity is not the same as their birth sex.
- People who do not follow traditional ideas about gender roles or behaviors.
- Individuals who use terms like non-binary, genderqueer, or gender-fluid.
Society is slowly learning that gender is not simply male or female. Each person’s experience is unique.
The Difference Between Gender and Attraction
Sexual orientation describes who a person is physically, emotionally, or romantically drawn to. Being transgender is about gender identity, which is different from who someone is attracted to. A transgender person can be straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, or have another orientation. Gender identity and sexual orientation are two separate things:
| Gender Identity | Sexual Orientation |
|---|---|
| Man, woman, non-binary | Who they are attracted to. |
| Internal sense of self | Attraction to others. |
| May change or stay the same | Can also change or stay the same. |
For example, a trans woman (assigned male at birth, identifies as female) who is attracted to men is straight. A trans man who likes women is straight. Non-binary people may be attracted to people of any gender, or to nobody at all. Do not assume someone’s orientation just because they are transgender.
Gender Dysphoria
Gender dysphoria means feeling distress when someone’s gender identity does not match their body or the sex given to them at birth. Not all transgender people have gender dysphoria. Some feel comfortable in their own bodies or find ways to ease the distress.
Mental health professionals use a diagnosis of gender dysphoria to help people get access to treatments and support if they want or need it. These may include talking with counselors, getting medical care, or changing how they present themselves.
The main concern is the distress someone may feel. Transgender and gender-diverse people can face extra stress from stigma, harassment, and discrimination in society. This can add to feelings of dysphoria or make things harder day to day. Some people, including trans youth, may need support to feel safe and understood. Family, friends, schools, and healthcare providers can offer help that makes a positive difference.
Useful Words and Concepts
Here are some terms to know when discussing the transgender and gender-diverse community:
- Agender: A person who does not identify with any gender.
- Cisgender: Someone whose gender identity matches the sex they were given at birth.
- Gender-fluid: A person whose gender identity may shift or change over time.
- Non-binary: Someone whose gender identity is outside the categories of only male or only female.
- Trans Man: An individual who was assigned female at birth but identifies as male.
- Trans Woman: A person who was assigned male at birth but identifies as female.
- Pronouns: Words like he, she, they, or others used to refer to people. It is important to use the pronouns that match each person’s gender identity.
- Gender Minority Stress: Challenges and stress that come from being different from the majority, especially when faced with stigma or prejudice.
- Gender Roles: Traditions or expectations about how people should act based on their sex at birth.
- Sex: Physical traits such as reproductive organs and chromosomes, often labeled as male or female.
Transgender people live in every culture and age group, including youth and elders. The trans community includes many different identities, such as trans men, trans women, non-binary people, and others. Using the right terms, supporting pronouns, and respecting each person’s identity can help make society more respectful and safe.
