Words & Definitions
The English language is constantly evolving. The purpose of this list is to help people support each other by providing a common language. TCC hopes that by making these words and definitions available on our website, we can help people talk to and understand each other in ways that are respectful and helpful.
INDEX
GENDER vs SEX
GENDER -- An individual’s internal sense of being male, female, or something else—the gender a person knows themselves to be in their heart, mind, body, and soul. Since it is subjective, a person's gender is not necessarily visible to others. "Gender" is often used interchangeably with "gender identity" (see below).
SEX -- (aka biological sex) A label given to a person at birth based on a combination of the appearance of their genitals and their chromosomal and hormonal make-up (aka "sex assigned at birth"). This is what is written on the birth certificate. Sex can also be assigned before birth by ultrasound or chromosome analysis.
IDENTITY vs EXPRESSION
GENDER IDENTITY -- Identity, in general, is an experience of having specific, persistent characteristics that define us. Gender identity is our sense of "who we are" regarding our maleness and femaleness. It is a label we use to describe ourselves to ourselves and to others regardless of our sex assigned at birth. Most people have a gender identity of "man" or "woman" (boy or girl). However, for some people, their gender identity does not fit neatly into one of those two categories. These people identify as “non-binary.”
GENDER EXPRESSION -- This is the manner in which people choose to communicate their gender identity to others through behavior (mannerisms, clothing, hairstyles, etc.), and voice and body characteristics. While most people’s understanding of gender expression relates to masculinity and femininity, there are many combinations that may incorporate both masculine and feminine expressions. (NOTE: What is considered masculine and feminine changes constantly over time and varies by culture.)
TRANSGENDER vs CIS-GENDER
TRANSGENDER -- “Transgender” generally serves as an umbrella term to refer to a full range and diversity of gender identities and expressions. “Transgender” is an adjective used to describe a person whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. It is currently the most widely used and recognized term. [Note: Since "transgender" is an adjective, it is best not to say “transgenders.” Rather, “Transgender people” is generally viewed as the more respectful term. Also, "transgendered" is not an affirming term because it implies that something happened to a person to make them abnormal as opposed to transgender being a normal variation of human being.]
CIS-GENDER -- "Cis-gender" is the opposite of "transgender." It is a term used to describe people whose sex assigned at birth matches their gender identity. ("Cis-" is a Latin prefix meaning on the same side as.)
TRANS, Trans Man & Trans Woman
TRANS -- This is a popular shorthand to mean "transgender" in all of its useages; also seen with an asterisk “trans*”
TRANS WOMAN -- This is the word used to describe a person who was assigned male at birth and whose gender identity is female. Trans girl is also commonly used. "MTF" is an abbreviation for “Male-To-Female.” This designation is becoming less-commonly used and should be avoided because it implies that the person was once male, which in terms of gender identity, may not be true. It is still widely used in clinical settings as is "natal male," which means "born male." It is far more accurate to say "assigned male," as many trans women have never experienced themselves to be male.
TRANS MAN -- This is the word used to describe a person who was assigned female at birth and whose gender identity is male. Trans boy is also commonly used. FTM is an abbreviation for “Female-To-Male.” Natal female is used in clinical settings. (See "transwoman.")
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
SEXUAL ORIENTATION -- This is the term for whether a person is sexually attracted to people of the opposite gender (heterosexual); the same gender (homosexual); or both genders (bisexual). Sexual orientation is an individual's enduring physical, romantic and/or emotional attraction to other people. Gender identity and sexual orientation are entirely separate. All people have a sexual orientation independent of their sexual anatomy or gender identity. “Sexual Orientation” can be understood as “who you go to bed WITH,” whereas “Gender Identity” is “who you go to bed AS.”
LGBT
LGBT (LGBTQIA) -- "LGBT" is an abbreviation for “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender." The term represents the banding together of diverse groups of people who have traditionally not fit society's norms for gender expression and/or sexual attraction. In the spirit of inclusivity, this abbreviation has been expanded to include:
“Q” = questioning—People who are unsure and therefore questioning which label best describes them. [In some groups, “Q” stands for “queer.” "Queer" has come to mean people—including "straight" people—who repudiate traditional societal norms for sexual behavior and/or gender expression.]
“I” = intersex—Term used when a person’s body (especially their genitals) cannot be easily categorized as either male or female just by looking. Approximately 2% of live births are intersex. Intersex is not a medical condition that needs to be corrected. It is a normal variation in human morphology.
“A” = asexual—This is a sexual orientation generally characterized by not feeling sexual attraction to or a desire for sex with a partner. Asexuality is not the same thing as celibacy, which is the choice to abstain from sexual activity.
[NOTE: LGBT is often erroneously used to mean "the opposite of heterosexual.” This is wrong because many trans people are heterosexual. Remember: Transgender is not a sexual orientation.]
NON-BINARY vs GENDER NON-CONFORMING
NON-BINARY — A term used by individuals whose gender identity is neither male or female. People who identify as non-binary reject the assumption that ‘male’ and ‘female’ are the only two possible gender identities. Other, related terms:
agender - describes a person does not identify as a specific gender.
gender fluid - describes a person whose gender identity or expression is not fixed. Their gender identity and expression may change from time-to-time between masculine and feminine, or fall somewhere in between.
bigender - having two genders; exhibiting cultural characteristics of masculine and feminine identity or expression at the same time.
GENDER NON-CONFORMING -- This term describes a person whose gender expression (appearance and behavior) does not conform to the dominant culture’s expectations regarding masculinity or femininity. Simply put, “non-binary” is an IDENTITY; “non-conforming” is an EXPRESSION. A related term:
gender queer - more-or-less synonymous with "Gender Non-conforming," but with the added implication of political awareness and activity. Historically, "queer" has been used as an epithet/slur against people who are "different," especially with regard to their gender expression or sexual orientation. Some people wish to reclaim the original meaning of "queer" to mean "odd or unusual" and use it as a celebration of individualism and as an affirmative statement that, "It is OK not to fit society's norms."
SOCIAL & MEDICAL TRANSITION
SOCIAL TRANSITION - This is the individualized process whereby a transgender person creates a life that affirms their gender identity. This process can include any or all of the following:
using a different name and new pronouns
dressing differently and/or using makeup
adopting different mannerisms and ways of speaking
telling one's family, friends, and co-workers
changing one's name and/or sex on legal documents
MEDICAL TRANSITION - This is the process of changing one's gender expression through various possible—preferably physician-assisted—medical interventions that alter the body so that it better matches one's gender identity. Medical transition involves some combination of surgical procedures and hormone treatments (estrogen for trans women and testosterone for trans men) in order to reduce or develop a person’s primary and/or secondary sex characteristics. The exact steps and interventions vary from person to person. Medical transition is considered to be a very personal, private matter and not appropriate for casual conversation.
See "gender affirming surgery."
DRAG vs CROSS DRESSING
DRAG QUEEN -- Drag queens are men, typically gay men, who dress like women usually for the purpose of entertainment. Drag performers typically use exaggerated dress and makeup, often in parody of societal norms of femininity. Many drag queens seek "realness" in their performances, meaning they wish to approximate norms for cis-gender femininity as closely as possible. Drag queens may or may not identify as transgender. Most do not. While some live the role full-time and may even opt for surgery to enhance their appearance as a member of the opposite sex, most put on their drag personas only when performing. [NOTE: There is a long tradition in stage entertainment of female impersonation. Dame Edna, the comedian, is a good example of a female impersonator who would not be considered either a drag queen or transgender.]
DRAG KING -- Drag kings are women who dress as men generally for the purposes of entertaining others. [See Drag Queen.]
CROSS DRESSING -- This term is used in different ways. In general, it describes people who on occasion wear clothes and accessories associated with the opposite sex. Some people cross dress as a step toward a fuller transgender self-expression. Some people cross dress as an expression of being “gender queer.” Some people cross dress because wearing clothes of the opposite gender improves their sexual enjoyment. "Cross dresser" is used in favor of the older, outdated word "transvestite," which is more frequently associated with cross dressing as a sexual fetish.
GENDER AFFRIMING SURGERY & TRANSEXUAL
GENDER AFFIRMING SURGERY -- This term refers to doctor-supervised surgical interventions that change a person's body to better reflect their gender identity (facial bones, Adam's apple, vocal cords, breast enlargement or reduction; removal of penis and testes; creation of a neo-vagina; or creation of a penis). “Top surgery” (breast augmentation or removal) or “bottom surgery” (alteration of genitals) are common terms. Not all trans people want, need, or can obtain surgery as part of their transition. Some may not be able to afford it; Some may not be in good enough general health to allow it; And some may simply not want it. Gender affirming surgery (also known as sex reassignment surgery, or SRS) is generally considered to be a very personal, private matter and not appropriate for casual conversation.
TRANSEXUAL -- This is an older term that has been used to refer to transgender people. It generally refers to people who have had hormonal or surgical interventions to change their bodies to be better aligned with their gender identities. Some people still use "transsexual" as a social identity label. However "transgender” has generally become the preferred term.
GENDER DYSPHORIA & TRANSPHOBIA
GENDER DYSPHORIA -- This is the term for the deep discomfort about body parts as they relate to gender identity that transgender people sometimes feel (formerly known as Gender Identity Disorder). It is generally thought to be a reaction to societal disapproval, stigma, and transphobia (see below). For some people, gender dysphoria is very painful and can cause many, serious problems in their lives. Gender Dysphoria, as an official diagnosis, is controversial because it implies that being transgender is an illness, which it is not. Just like medical care for pregnancy, a formal diagnosis is required in order to get medical treatment in the US—and have it paid for by insurance. The diagnosis of gender dysphoria provides access to medical care for some people who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
TRANSPHOBIA -- This is a term used to describe the feelings of disapproval, anger, fear, or hatred directed towards transgender, non-binary, and gender-non-conforming people. It is typically the basis for discrimination and prejudice against this group of people. Transphobia is a sort of portmanteau word used in much the same way as "homophobia" is. Transphobia tends to be expressed in three ways:
Irrational fear of trans people that typically manifests as disgust and anger.
Learned judgments and disapproval regarding trans people that justify any negative feelings toward them and actions taken against them.
Fear of transgender feelings in oneself (insecurity in one’s own gender identity) that is projected outward.
SOURCE MATERIALS
Teaching Transgender Toolkit - Glossary of terms targeted for trainers in transgender issues
GLAAD Media Reference Guide - Transgender Issues - Glossary targeted to people in the media (with useful tips for usage in writing)
UC Davis - LGBTQIA Resource Center - Glossary targeted to college students
The Radical Copyeditor’s Style Guide for Writing About Transgender People
TransPulse - Glossary targeted to the trans community