Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to a person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth: The term describes an individual whose internal, personal sense of being a man, woman, or another gender does not align with the sex they were identified as having at birth (typically based on physical anatomy).
   • Involving a partial or full reversal of gender: This describes the state or condition of having a gender identity that is opposite to or different from one's assigned sex. It is an umbrella term that can include various identities.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The organization provides support for transgender youth.
  • She is a transgender woman, meaning she was assigned male at birth but identifies as a woman.
  • Access to healthcare is a critical issue for many transgender people.

Advanced Usage

• As a descriptive term: "Transgender" is primarily used as an adjective (e.g., a transgender person, transgender rights). It is considered respectful to use it as an adjective rather than as a noun (e.g., "a transgender," which is generally inappropriate).
• "Transgender" vs. "Transsexual": While sometimes used interchangeably, "transgender" is a broader term. "Transsexual" is a more specific, older term often used by individuals who have medically transitioned (e.g., through hormones or surgery) to align their body with their gender identity. It is best to use the term an individual prefers.

Variants and Related Words

• Trans (adj.): A common and accepted shortened form of "transgender" (e.g., trans man, trans community).
• Cisgender (adj.): Denoting a person whose gender identity corresponds with the sex they were assigned at birth. This is the antonym of transgender.
• Non-binary (adj.): A gender identity that is not exclusively male or female. Some non-binary people also identify as transgender.
• Gender dysphoria (n.): The distress a person may feel due to a mismatch between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth.

Synonyms

• Gender-diverse: A broader term encompassing a range of gender identities that differ from societal expectations.
• Gender-nonconforming: Describing a person whose gender expression differs from conventional expectations. Not all gender-nonconforming people identify as transgender.

Related Phrases

• Transgender man (trans man): A man who was assigned female at birth.
• Transgender woman (trans woman): A woman who was assigned male at birth.
• Assigned male/female at birth (AMAB/AFAB): Phrases used to describe the sex designation given at birth, often used when discussing transgender experiences.

Related Idioms

• To transition: The process a transgender person may undergo to live as their gender identity. This can involve social (e.g., changing name, pronouns), legal (e.g., changing documents), and/or medical steps (e.g., hormone therapy, surgery).
  • He began his transition several years ago.
• To come out as transgender: To disclose one's transgender identity to others.
  • She came out as transgender to her family last year.

Adjective

1. involving a partial or full reversal of gender