Transgender is an umbrella term used to describe people whose gender
identity (sense of themselves as male or female) or gender expression
differs from that usually associated with their birth sex. Many
transgender people live part-time or full-time as members of the other
gender. Broadly speaking, anyone whose identity, appearance, or behavior
falls outside of conventional gender norms can be described as
transgender. However, not everyone whose appearance or behavior is
gender-atypical will identify as a transgender person.
What is the difference between sex and gender?
Sex refers to biological status as male or female. It includes
physical attributes such as sex chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones,
internal reproductive structures, and external genitalia. Gender is
a term that is often used to refer to ways that people act,
interact, or feel about themselves, which are associated with
boys/men and girls/women. While aspects of biological sex are the
same across different cultures, aspects of gender may not be.
What are some categories or types of transgender people?
Transsexuals are transgender people who live or wish to live
full time as members of the gender opposite to their birth
sex. Biological females who wish to live and be recognized as
men are called female-to-male (FTM) transsexuals or
transsexual men. Biological males who wish to live and be
recognized as women are called male-to-female (MTF)
transsexuals or transsexual women. Transsexuals usually seek
medical interventions, such as hormones and surgery, to make
their bodies as congruent as possible with their preferred
gender. The process of transitioning from one gender to the
other is called sex reassignment or gender reassignment.
Cross-dressers or transvestites comprise the most numerous
transgender group. Cross-dressers wear the clothing of the
other sex. They vary in how completely they dress (from
one article of clothing to fully cross-dressing) as well
as in their motives for doing so. Some cross-dress to
express cross-gender feelings or identities; others
crossdress for fun, for emotional comfort, or for sexual
arousal. The great majority of cross-dressers are
biological males, most of whom are sexually attracted to
women.
Drag queens and drag kings are, respectively,
biological males and females who present part-time as
members of the other sex primarily to perform or
entertain. Their performances may include singing,
lip-syncing, or dancing. Drag performers may or may
not identify as transgender. Many drag queens and
kings identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual.
Other categories of transgender people include androgynous, bigendered, and gender queer people. Exact definitions of these terms vary from person to person, but often include a sense of blending or alternating genders. Some people who use these terms to describe themselves see traditional concepts of gender as restrictive.
Other categories of transgender people include androgynous, bigendered, and gender queer people. Exact definitions of these terms vary from person to person, but often include a sense of blending or alternating genders. Some people who use these terms to describe themselves see traditional concepts of gender as restrictive.
Have transgender people always existed?
Transgender persons have been documented in many
Western and non-Western cultures and societies
from antiquity until the present day. However, the
meaning of gender variance may vary from culture
to culture.
Why are some people transgender?
There is no one generally accepted
explanation for why some people are
transgender. The diversity of transgender
expression argues against any simple or
unitary explanation. Many experts believe
that biological factors such as genetic
influences and prenatal hormone levels,
early experiences in a person’s family of
origin, and other social influences can all
contribute to the development of transgender
behaviors and identities.
