Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or being a person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth: The term describes an individual whose internal sense of self (gender identity) is not fully aligned with the traditional male/female binary associated with their physical sex characteristics at birth. It often involves a social and/or physical transition.

Usage

• The term is used to describe a person's identity or experience. It is considered by many to be an older or less preferred term than transgender.
• It functions as an adjective (e.g., a transgendered person) and should not be used as a noun (e.g., "a transgendered").

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She is a transgendered woman who transitioned later in life.
  • The organization provides support for transgendered youth.
  • He shared his experience as a transgendered man in his autobiography.

Advanced Usage

• Grammatical Note: While "transgendered" has been widely used, the more common and often preferred contemporary term is simply "transgender" (e.g., a transgender person, transgender people). The "-ed" suffix can be perceived by some as implying that being transgender is something that a person rather than an inherent aspect of their identity.
• Identity vs. Past Action: The use of "transgender" as an adjective is generally favored as it aligns with other identity descriptors (e.g., "a tall person," "a creative person," "a transgender person").

Variants and Related Words

• Transgender (adj.): The more current and widely accepted adjective to describe a person whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. It is often used as an umbrella term.
• Gender dysphoria (n.): The clinical distress that may accompany the incongruence between one's experienced/expressed gender and assigned gender.
• Transition (n./v.): The process a transgender person may undergo to live as their gender identity, which can be social, legal, and/or medical.
• Cisgender (adj.): Denoting a person whose gender identity corresponds with their birth sex.

Synonyms

• Transgender: (Preferred synonym) Having a gender identity that differs from the sex assigned at birth.
• Gender-nonconforming: Behaving or appearing in ways that do not align with societal gender norms. (Note: This is a broader term and not always synonymous.)

Important Notes

• Preferred Language: It is considered respectful to use the term an individual uses for themselves. When in doubt, "transgender" is the standard, respectful adjective.
• Outdated/Incorrect Terms: Terms like "transgendered" (as a noun), "transsexual" (unless specified by the individual), or "a transgender" are generally considered outdated, clinical, or disrespectful. The correct phrasing is "a transgender person" or "transgender people."

Adjective

1. involving a partial or full reversal of gender