Transgender is an adjective that describes an individual whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex, according to the Oxford Dictionary.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as of, relating to, or being a person whose gender identity differs from the sex the person was identified as having at birth, and especially of, relating to, or being a person whose gender identity is opposite the sex the person was identified as having at birth.
Meanwhile, the Mayo Clinic holds that the term covers a range of gender identities and gender expressions, and moves past the idea that all people can be classified as only one of two genders - male or female.
Simply speaking, transgender is used to describe people whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Transgender is distinct from sexual orientation, so transgender people may identify as heterosexual (straight), homosexual (gay), bisexual, asexual, genderqueer, or non-binary. They may also choose not to label their sexual orientation.
The opposite of transgender is cisgender.
Transgender people who desire medical assistance to transition from one sex to another identify as transsexual.
Statistics as to the number of transgender people will vary widely, primarily due to the varying definitions of what constitutes being transgender. For example, cross-dressing is often identified as transgender, although dressing as another gender isn't necessarily a sign of an individual's gender identity.
Most countries don't collect census data on transgender people. However, it is estimated that fewer than one percent of the worldwide population is transgender.
Gender dysphoria is a feeling of distress that can occur when an individual's gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth or from their sex-related physical characteristics. While some transgender or gender-diverse people will experience gender dysphoria at some point in their lives, others are at ease with their bodies and gender identities.
Transgender people are often gender non-conforming, meaning that they adopt customs, habits, and lifestyles that are not typically associated with their assigned birth sex. This may be reflected in how they dress, style their hair, talk, and act. Also common is choosing a name that better suits the individual's gender identity. Some will choose to undergo medical treatments to change their bodies to make them more compatible with their gender identity. These treatments may include hormone therapy, surgery, or other interventions.
Recommended Resources
Buck Angel is a Los Angeles, California-based sex educator, former pornographic actor and producer, and a transexual. Once employed as a female professional model, he began transitioning at twenty-eight. In recent years, he has been publicly critical of several LGBT advocacy efforts, in particular, the participation of trans-women in female sports, the demands for access for trans-women in female-only spaces, and the extension of transitioning drugs and surgery to children.
https://buckangel.com/
PTGS is a community organization that provides support and resources for transgender people in the Peoria, Illinois, area, creating a safe and welcoming environment for transgender individuals to explore their identities, share information and support, and make friends. It offers various services, including employment and education resources, crisis intervention, and social events. The organization also provides gender-affirming hormone therapy resources, membership information, and contacts.
https://peoriatransgendersociety.com/
Created by someone who goes by the name of Nina or Nina Jay, who was not born a girl but had been dressing as one, off and on. The site covers issues of a transgendered nature, as well as escorting, bondage, and similar topics. Nina also appears in International Repartee, a UK transgender lifestyle publication. An introduction to Bella Jay, the editor of Repartee Magazine, is also provided. Other resources include photographs and links to other related online resources.
http://www.strangelittlegirl.co.uk/
Maintained by Susan Larson, the website focuses on transgender resources, including information on arts and leisure, entertainment, events, life, news, opinions, politics, and science. It also includes a discord chat channel for text and voice chat, and an active online discussion forum with several topics. While anyone may read forums and posts, registration is required to participate. Other resources include a wiki covering various transgender topics, and a directory of third-party websites.
https://www.susans.org/
Created as Transgender Forum, the TGForum is dedicated to the trans community and has provided news, information, and forums since 1995. News relevant to the transgender community from around the world is posted, along with a calendar of events, background papers on transgender issues, a members directory, and an online discussion forum. While anyone may view the forum, participation requires registration and a login. New topics may be added upon request. Contacts are posted.
https://tgforum.com/
Stylized TransgenderPulse, the support and resource website for transgender people, their families, and allies, was formerly known as Laura's Playground. It offers informational articles, support, other resources, live chat, and an online discussion forum. Powered by Invision Community, the forum may be viewed by anyone, although participation requires registration and a login. Community rules, a calendar of events, and staff introductions are provided.
https://www.transgenderpulse.com/
