![]() | |
Classification | Gender identity |
---|---|
Abbreviations | TG, trans |
Other terms | |
Associated terms | Transsexual |
Part of a series on |
Transgender topics |
---|
![]() |
Part of a series on |
LGBT topics |
---|
![]() |
A transgender person (often shortened to trans person) is someone whose gender identity differs from that typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth.[1] Some transgender people who desire medical assistance to transition from one sex to another identify as transsexual.[2][3] Transgender is also an umbrella term; in addition to including people whose gender identity is the opposite of their assigned sex (trans men and trans women), it may also include people who are non-binary or genderqueer.[4][5][6] Other definitions of transgender also include people who belong to a third gender, or else conceptualize transgender people as a third gender.[7][8] The term may also include cross-dressers or drag kings and drag queens in some contexts.[9] The term transgender does not have a universally accepted definition, including among researchers.[10][11]
Being transgender is distinct from sexual orientation, and transgender people may identify as heterosexual (straight), homosexual (gay or lesbian), bisexual, asexual, or otherwise, or may decline to label their sexual orientation.[12] The opposite of transgender is cisgender, which describes persons whose gender identity matches their assigned sex.[13] Accurate statistics on the number of transgender people vary widely,[14] in part due to different definitions of what constitutes being transgender.[10] Some countries, such as Canada, collect census data on transgender people.[15] Generally, fewer than 1% of the worldwide population are transgender, with figures ranging from <0.1% to 0.6%.[16][17][18]
Many transgender people experience gender dysphoria, and some seek medical treatments such as hormone replacement therapy, gender-affirming surgery, or psychotherapy.[19] Not all transgender people desire these treatments, and some cannot undergo them for financial or medical reasons.[19][20]
The legal status of transgender people varies by jurisdiction. Many transgender people experience transphobia, or violence or discrimination towards transgender people, in the workplace,[21] in accessing public accommodations,[22] and in healthcare.[23] In many places, they are not legally protected from discrimination.[24] Several cultural events are held to celebrate the awareness of transgender people, including Transgender Day of Remembrance and International Transgender Day of Visibility,[25][26] and the transgender flag is a common transgender pride symbol.[27]
The term transsexual was introduced by Cauldwell (1949) and popularized by Harry Benjamin (1966) [...]. The term transgender was coined by John Oliven (1965) and popularized by various transgender people who pioneered the concept and practice of transgenderism. It is sometimes said that Virginia Prince (1976) popularized the term, but history shows that many transgender people advocated the use of this term much more than Prince.
The use of terminology by transsexual individuals to self-identify varies. As aforementioned, many transsexual individuals prefer the term transgender, or simply trans, as it is more inclusive and carries fewer stigmas. There are some transsexual individuals, however, who reject the term transgender; these individuals view transsexualism as a treatable congenital condition. Following medical and/or surgical transition, they live within the binary as either a man or a woman and may not disclose their transition history.
Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identities, gender expressions, and/or behaviors are different from those culturally associated with the sex that they were assigned at birth.
GLAAD Media Reference
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).Yet Jordan and Nick represent a segment of transgender communities that have largely been overlooked in transgender and student development research – individuals who express a non-binary construction of gender.
The authors note that, increasingly, in social science literature, the term 'third gender' is being replaced by or conflated with the newer term 'transgender.'
Transgender is a broad term characterized by a challenge of traditional gender roles and gender identity [...] For example, some cultures classify transgender individuals as a third gender, thereby treating this phenomenon as normative.
Transgender was defined broadly to cover those who transition from one gender to another as well as those who may not choose to socially, medically, or legally fully transition, including cross-dressers, people who consider themselves to be genderqueer, androgynous, and…
:0
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).Many transgender people experience gender dysphoria – distress that results from the discordance of biological sex and experienced gender. Treatment for gender dysphoria, considered to be highly effective, includes physical, medical, and/or surgical treatments [...] some [transgender people] may not choose to transition at all.
:1
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).:2
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).:3
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).Hayden Mora, deputy chief of staff at the Human Rights Campaign and a transgender man....