Transgender individuals have a gender identity that does not match their assigned gender. Gender identity is separate from sexual orientation. Transgender individuals may identify as a third gender or cross-dress, but not all cross-dressers are transgender. Transgender people can look like anyone and may keep their identity hidden due to discrimination. It is important to be polite and follow their lead when using pronouns and discussing gender.
A transgender individual is a person with a gender identity that is inconsistent with their assigned gender; in a classic example, someone with the genetic makeup of a man can feel that he is truly a woman. A large spectrum of people are transgender, and there is some controversy about when someone should be considered a transgender individual and when another label might be more appropriate. A transgender individual may also be referred to as a “trans,” but the term “trannie” is generally considered offensive.
It’s important to distinguish between gender identity and sexual orientation, because some people confuse the two. Gender identity has to do with someone’s perceived gender. Historically, gender identity has generally been confined to the binary of masculine and feminine, but in the 20th century, activists increasingly began to promote the idea that there are other ways of viewing gender, and that in fact the biological gender is more a continuum than a binary system. Sexual orientation implies sexual attraction and is independent of gender identity.
While transsexuals are perhaps the best known examples of transgender individuals, other groups may also be considered transgender. For example, some people identify as a third or “other” gender across the family continuum and may even consider themselves transgender. A person with a gender identity that agrees with her physical gender is known as a “cisgender,” from the Latin “cis,” meaning “on the same side.”
Cross-dressing is also sometimes considered transgender behavior, because it involves an exploration of gender and traditional gender roles. However, many transvestites have a gender identity that conforms to their assigned gender, so they could not technically be considered transgender.
Like men and women, transgender people can take on a variety of appearances. Some transsexual individuals work very hard to pass themselves off as members of the gender they identify with, for example. Some may struggle with their gender identity for some time before finding therapy, support groups and advocacy organizations to help. Others may be outspoken supporters of transgender issues, promoting things like unisex restrooms and anti-discrimination workplace policies, while some may prefer to keep their transgender identity silent. Fears of discrimination and prejudice often lead trans people to keep their identities hidden.
In all likelihood, you have interacted with a transgender individual without even being aware of it. In case you interact with a transgender individual who is open about transgender status, try to remember to be polite. Genuine curiosity can be very offensive or offensive to some transgender people, and while many transgender people are happy to educate people, topics like genitalia are generally considered taboo. It is also good form to follow the example of a transgender individual when using pronouns and other terms to describe gender and identity.
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