Being transgender means that someone does not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. The term ‘transgender’ is a collective name for a wide range of gender identities and expressions, such as trans man, trans woman, non-binary, or genderqueer. Keep reading if you’re looking for more information about what being transgender means, common terms that are often used, or want to learn more about the Trans umbrella.
What does transgender mean?
A transgender, or trans, person is someone whose gender identity or gender expression differs from what is commonly associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. Some trans people experience feelings of discomfort or distress related to this mismatch, often referred to as ‘gender dysphoria’. Not all transgender people experience gender dysphoria, and experiences can vary widely from person to person.
Many transgender people choose to express or affirm their gender in different ways, which can include adopting a different name or pronouns. Some people may explore social, personal, or physical changes, while others do not. These choices are individual and not required in order to identify as transgender.
Approaches such as hormone therapy or surgical procedures are options that some people consider, but they are personal decisions and not part of every trans person’s experience.
The Trans Umbrella
The term ‘transgender’ refers to people whose gender identity or expression does not align with the gender they were assigned at birth, and differs from what is typically expected within cisgender norms (cisgender means identifying with the gender assigned at birth). When looking more closely, ‘transgender’ functions as an umbrella term that includes a wide range of gender identities and expressions.
The Trans Umbrella is used to describe this diversity of experiences, recognizing that gender is personal, varied, and not limited to fixed categories. Because gender experiences can be fluid and expansive, no single overview can fully capture all identities or expressions. The image below illustrates some of the identities and expressions that are commonly included under the Trans Umbrella.
As you can see, the identities non-binary, trans man/woman, and crossdressing can all be described within the umbrella, as they represent different ways of experiencing or expressing gender outside of cisgender norms. The non-binary identity can include a range of fluid identities, such as genderfluid, polygender, or genderqueer. Not everyone who identifies as non-binary identifies as transgender, which is why this umbrella is shown partly overlapping with the Trans Umbrella, and partly outside of it.
Please know that even though there is a visual of the Trans Umbrella, it is completely valid not to identify yourself with what you see in the image. That’s the beauty of the Trans Umbrella: gender identity and expression are personal, and people can define themselves in the way that feels right to them. If you want to read more about the Trans Umbrella, click here.
Now let’s take a closer look at which identities can be found under the umbrella:
Trans man/woman:
This term refers to people who identify as a man or a woman. Some people who identify this way choose to socially and/or medically transition, while others do not. A trans woman is someone who was assigned the gender ‘male’ at birth (AMAB) and identifies as a woman. A trans man is someone who was assigned the gender ‘female’ at birth (AFAB) and identifies as a man.
Non-binary:
The non-binary identity is often described as an umbrella term itself, as it includes a range of identities that fall in-between or outside of the gender binary. Some non-binary people identify as transgender, while others do not. Some people may explore social or physical changes, while others do not, and all of these experiences are valid. Click here to read more about what non-binary means.
Crossdressing:
People who crossdress may explore clothing or presentation that does not fully align with societal expectations linked to their assigned gender at birth. For example, a person who was assigned male at birth and who identifies as a man may enjoy wearing dresses at moments when they feel more aligned with a feminine form of expression. Crossdressing relates to gender expression and does not necessarily indicate a person’s gender identity.
Gender expression vs gender identity
In this article we mention gender identity, and gender expression. Let’s take a moment to look at how the two are different from each other:
- Gender expression is how you show your gender to the world through your clothing, hair, makeup, and other outward signals.
- Gender identity is your internal sense of being male, female, neither, both, or something else. For some people, this sense of identity may be stable, while for others it may change over time.
For example, someone who identifies as male may express their gender in a variety of ways, such as wearing masculine clothing or having short hair. Their gender expression does not determine their gender identity, and identity may also evolve over time. It’s important to remember that appearance alone does not indicate how someone identifies, which is why it’s always respectful to ask someone what their preferred pronouns are.
Gender dysphoria
Many transgender people report experiencing gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is a term that describes feelings of distress or discomfort that some people experience due to a mismatch between their assigned sex at birth and their gender identity. The definition according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is as follows:
"Gender dysphoria is a marked incongruence between their experienced or expressed gender and the one they were assigned at birth.”
In other words, some people may experience significant discomfort related to their body or how they are perceived. For example, certain physical characteristics or social situations may contribute to these feelings. The DSM-5 definition exists to provide a framework for clinical assessment, which may help healthcare professionals determine appropriate support options.
Not all transgender or non-binary people experience gender dysphoria, and experiencing dysphoria is not a requirement for being trans.
Going into transition
Some transgender people choose to explore forms of transition as part of their personal journey. Transition can look different for everyone and may include social, medical, and/or legal aspects, depending on personal needs, circumstances, and local regulations.
Medical
A medical transition can include different options that some people consider, such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or surgical procedures. Availability, age requirements, and access differ by country and healthcare system, and not everyone chooses or needs medical interventions. Hormone therapy (sometimes referred to as HRT) can influence physical characteristics, but these choices are personal and not universal. Many transgender people do not pursue medical transition and are still valid in their identity.
Social
A social transition can involve changes such as using a different name or pronouns, adjusting clothing or hairstyle, or sharing one’s identity with others. These steps can happen with or without involvement from medical professionals or institutions, and people may take them at their own pace.
Legal
In some countries, people may be able to update legal documents to better reflect their gender identity, often following specific legal procedures. Rules and requirements vary widely depending on location, so it’s important to consult local resources.
The transition journey can look very different from person to person. There is no single or correct way to be transgender or to transition. Every experience is personal and valid, and we hope this article helps foster understanding and respect for the diversity of trans and non-binary experiences.