When researching information about gender identity, you might come across the term ‘the Trans Umbrella’. The Trans Umbrella is a metaphorical concept that is often used to describe the diversity of gender identity and expression. But what does this umbrella mean? Keep reading to find out more about this concept.

What is the Trans Umbrella?

The Trans Umbrella is commonly used as a way to group together a range of gender identities and expressions, including people who identify as transgender, as well as those who identify as non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, and others. Essentially, the Trans Umbrella refers to people whose gender identity or expression does not align with the gender they were assigned at birth, and whose gender differs from typical cisgender expectations (cisgender means identifying with the gender assigned at birth).

The umbrella is often used to illustrate that not everyone fits into rigid or binary definitions of gender. It highlights that gender identity and expression can vary from person to person, regardless of whether they align with common social norms. Below you can see a visual representation of the umbrella:

As you can see, identities such as non-binary, trans man/woman, and crossdressing are often placed under the umbrella, as they can all be understood as different ways people experience or express gender. The non-binary identity is sometimes shown as an umbrella within the larger Trans Umbrella, as it can include a range of identities such as genderfluid, polygender, or genderqueer. Not everyone who identifies as non-binary identifies as transgender, which is why this umbrella is sometimes shown as partially overlapping.

Even though a visual representation of the Trans Umbrella is often used, it is possible that someone may not fully identify with what is shown in the image. The umbrella is intended as a general framework, rather than a fixed definition. Before we continue, it’s important to address a common misconception. Gender identity and sexual orientation are separate concepts. Gender identity refers to how someone identifies their gender and does not describe who they are attracted to. Sexual orientation refers to romantic, emotional, or physical attraction to others.

Now let’s take a closer look at the gender identities and expressions that are commonly described under the umbrella.

Trans Man/Woman: 

This term refers to people who were assigned one gender at birth and identify with another binary gender. People who identify this way may transition socially and/or medically. 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.

Crossdressing:

People who crossdress temporarily express themselves through clothing or presentation that doesn’t (completely) align with their assigned gender at birth. For example, a person who was assigned male at birth and who identifies as a man most of the time may choose to wear dresses during moments when they feel more aligned with a feminine gender expression.

Click here if you want to read more about Transgender.

 

Non-binary

 

The non-binary identity is often described as an umbrella term, as it includes a range of identities that fall in between or outside of the binary categories of man and woman. Some people who identify as non-binary or one of its subcategories also identify as transgender, while others do not. Both interpretations are commonly reported. The range of non-binary gender identities varies widely, as experiences of gender can differ from person to person. It is also possible for someone to identify with more than one of the terms shown in the image. For example, a person may identify as trans, non-binary, pangender, and genderfluid at the same time.  

Click here if you want to read more about what Non-Binary means.

 

A common misconception about non-binary gender expression is that it always means identifying exactly in between ‘man’ and ‘woman’. While some people describe their experience this way, others do not. Non-binary can refer to identifying anywhere along the gender spectrum, or outside of binary gender categories altogether. Below are some commonly used terms within the non-binary umbrella: 

Non-binary

Non-binary refers to individuals whose gender identity does not fit exclusively within the traditional binary categories of male or female. Non-binary individuals may experience their gender as a combination of genders, as neither gender, or as another gender identity entirely. Pronoun use can vary and may include they/them or other pronouns, depending on personal preference. Gender expression among non-binary individuals can differ widely.

Genderqueer 

Genderqueer is a term used to describe individuals whose gender identity does not align with traditional binary concepts of male or female. Genderqueer individuals may identify as a combination of genders, as neither gender, or as another gender identity. Some people describe their gender as fluid, meaning it may change over time, while others experience it as more stable. Pronoun use varies and may include gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them or other pronouns. The term genderqueer is sometimes used interchangeably with non-binary, although the meaning and nuance can differ depending on personal and cultural context.

Agender

Agender is a term used to describe individuals who do not experience an internal sense of gender identity. They may feel little or no connection to the concepts of male or female, and may describe themselves as genderless or without a gender identity. Agender individuals may also use terms such as gender-neutral, genderless, or non-binary to describe their experience.

Genderfluid 

Genderfluid is a term used to describe individuals whose gender identity may change over time or across different situations. Unlike people who experience a consistent gender identity, genderfluid individuals may report variations in how they experience their gender, such as feeling more masculine, feminine, or genderless at different times. These changes can occur gradually or more frequently, and some genderfluid people may choose to use different pronouns depending on how they identify at a given moment.

Transmasc

Transmasc, short for transmasculine, is a term used to describe individuals who identify with masculinity to some degree and who were assigned female at birth. This term can include people who identify as non-binary as well as those who identify as men. Some transmasc individuals pursue social and/or medical transition, while others do not. The term refers to a gender identity or expression that aligns more closely with masculinity, regardless of whether medical transition is part of that experience.

Transfemme

Transfemme is a term used to describe individuals who were assigned male at birth and identify with femininity to some extent. The term “femme” is commonly used within LGBTQIA+ communities to describe feminine gender expression. Femininity can take many forms and may relate to appearance, behavior, or self-expression, depending on the individual.

Polygender

Polygender is a term used to describe individuals who identify with more than one gender. These genders may be binary, non-binary, or a combination of both. Some polygender individuals experience their gender as fluid, meaning it may change over time, while others experience multiple genders in a more consistent way. The term describes experiences of gender that involve multiple identities, rather than a single, fixed category.

Pangender

Pangender is a term used to describe individuals who identify with a wide range of genders. Rather than identifying with one or several specific genders, pangender individuals may experience their gender identity as encompassing many or all genders. This can include binary and non-binary genders. The term is used to describe gender identities that are not limited to a single or small set of gender categories.

Bigender

Bigender is a term used to describe individuals who identify with two gender identities. These identities may be binary (such as male and female), non-binary (such as genderqueer or agender), or a combination of both. Bigender individuals may experience these identities at different times or simultaneously, and the way these identities are experienced can vary from person to person.

Demigender

Demigender is a term used to describe individuals whose gender identity is partially aligned with one particular gender. A demigender person may feel a connection to a specific gender identity, while also experiencing another aspect of their gender as less defined or only partly present. For example, someone may feel connected to being male or female, while also identifying partly outside the binary, such as non-binary or genderqueer.

 

Androgynous

Androgynous is a term used to describe a gender expression that combines masculine and feminine characteristics. People with an androgynous presentation may express themselves in ways that do not clearly align with traditional gender expectations.
In terms of appearance, this can include clothing, hairstyles, or mannerisms that are not typically associated with a single gender, resulting in a presentation that may be perceived as gender-neutral or ambiguous.

 

Intersex

The last concept we’d like to explain is intersex. Intersex is not a gender identity, but a term used to describe individuals born with variations in sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female bodies. These variations can involve chromosomes, hormones, reproductive organs, or genital anatomy. Intersex traits occur naturally and can vary widely. People who are intersex may identify with any gender identity, including male, female, non-binary, or another identity. Some intersex traits are visible at birth, while others may not be immediately apparent.

Always keep in mind that it is completely valid to still be exploring your own gender identity or expression, or to not feel represented by any of the terms described here. Gender-related experiences can differ from person to person, and not everyone chooses to use specific labels. If you are seeking general information for yourself or someone close to you, we hope this overview has been helpful. If you would like more information, you are welcome to contact us.