What Does the Term “Transgender” Mean?

Last updated on August 30, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Transgender individuals are people whose gender identity or gender expression does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. This broad and inclusive term encompasses all those who do not identify with their assigned gender, thus standing in contrast to cisgender individuals, whose gender identity and expression align with their biological sex. As transgender people navigate their experiences and lives, they may face unique challenges, such as gender dysphoria, which can be alleviated through various means like transitioning, hormone replacement therapy, and affirming surgical procedures.

Transgender Meaning

  • Transgender refers to people whose gender identity or expression differs from their assigned sex.
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What Does Transgender Mean?

Transgender is a term used for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. It is important to note that gender identity is a deeply-felt inner sense of oneself as male, female, or something else, while sex is a biological classification based on physical characteristics. A transgender person may experience a mismatch between their gender identity and their assigned sex, which can cause gender dysphoria.

Gender vs. Sexual Orientation

It is crucial to distinguish between gender identity and sexual orientation. Gender identity refers to one’s self-identification as male, female, or other gender(s). On the other hand, sexual orientation refers to an individual’s pattern of emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attractions to other people. Being transgender does not determine someone’s sexual orientation. A transgender person can identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or any other sexual orientation.

Related Terms to Transgender

  • Cisgender: Refers to an individual whose gender identity and expression align with the sex assigned at birth.
  • Genderqueer: Also known as non-binary, refers to people who do not identify exclusively as male or female and may experience their gender identity as falling outside the traditional gender binary.
  • Gender dysphoria: A distressing condition experienced by some transgender people due to the incongruence between their gender identity and assigned sex.
  • Transitioning: A process that transgender individuals go through to live and express their gender identity. This may include changing their name, using different pronouns, and undergoing gender-affirming care such as hormone replacement therapy or surgeries.
  • A transgender man is a person who was assigned female at birth but identifies as male. They may choose to undergo hormone therapy, surgeries, or both to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity.
  • Conversely, a transgender woman is a person who was assigned male at birth but identifies as female. Like transgender men, they may pursue medical treatments to affirm their gender identity.
  • Nonbinary individuals do not identify exclusively as male or female, and their gender identity may fall outside the traditional binary gender framework.
  • An agender person does not identify with any gender label or does not use gender as part of their identity. It is a form of gender nonconformity, where individuals may experience a lack of connection or identification with traditional gender concepts.
  • Gender nonconforming refers to individuals whose gender expression may not align with societal expectations or stereotypes based on their sex assigned at birth. This can include aspects like clothing, behaviors, and personal preferences that do not adhere to gender norms. It is important to note that gender-nonconforming individuals may or may not identify as transgender, nonbinary, or any other specific gender identity.

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