Transgender

Transgender people are those whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. The transgender community is diverse, with transgender people who identify as male, female, non-binary, agender, third gender, and more. Transgender people may experience gender dysphoria, which is when a person experiences discomfort or distress because there is a mismatch between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth. Some transgender people transition, which means they align their physical appearance with their gender identity. This may involve hormone therapy, surgery, or both. Others may choose not to transition. There is no single experience of being transgender, and everyone experiences it in their own way.

What is transgender?

Transgender people are people who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. For example, a transgender person may have been assigned male at birth but identify as female. Transgender people may identify as male, female, a mix of both, or neither. They may also use different pronouns than the ones they were assigned at birth. For example, a transgender person may use the pronoun "she" instead of "he."

Transitioning

Transitioning is the process of changing one's gender presentation to match their internal sense of gender identity. This can be done through a variety of means, including but not limited to: changing one's name, pronouns, clothing, and hairstyle. Some people may also choose to undergo hormone therapy or surgery as part of their transition. The process of transitioning is different for everyone, and can take anywhere from a few months to several years.

Discrimination

Transgender people experience discrimination in many areas of their lives. They may be denied housing, employment, or education simply because they are transgender. In some places, transgender people are not allowed to use the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity. This can make it difficult for transgender people to go about their daily lives.

Acceptance

Transgender people have a gender identity that does not match their assigned sex, which can cause confusion and distress. However, with increased understanding and acceptance, transgender people can live happy, healthy lives. There is no single transgender experience, as each person's journey is unique. However, many transgender people face discrimination and exclusion. This can make it hard to find housing, get a job, or access healthcare. Thankfully, there are organizations that support transgender people, and the situation is slowly improving.