Definitions
Gender:
This word refers to how you identify yourself, which for trans
people is different than our biological bodies. If sex is between your
legs then gender is between your ears.
Sex:
Your biological body. Your sex is the male / female part on your birth
certificate. A trans person is someone who does not identify with, or
feel comfortable in, their birth sex.
Transsexual:
Someone who wishes to change their sex (their body) to be more in line
with their gender (how they feel). Although difficult, this transition
is necessary for many and should never be withheld.
Transgendered:
There is much debate over the meaning of this word, but generally, it
refers to someone whose gender (their internal identity) does not match
what society expects of their sex (their body). Unlike transsexuals,
a transgendered person may not feel the need to medicallyor surgically
change their body (sex change).
Intersex:
Someone who was born with a body that is not clearly male or female
as a result of their chromosome make-up, hormone balance, or genitals.
Intersex people used to be referred to as "hermaphrodites".
Transsexual
Woman (MtF): This is a person whose sex at birth was "male",
but identifies herself as a woman. Regardless of what stage she is at
with her transition, nor how she appears, if she is identifying as a
female, she is to be considered female, and referred to as "she".
Transsexual
Man (FtM): This is a person whose sex at birth was "female"
but identifies himself as a man. Regardless of what stage he is at with
his transition, nor how he appears, if he is identifying as male, he
is to be considered male and referred to as "he".
Passing:
The act of convincing people that you are NOT a transsexual for safety
or other reasons.
Transition:
The in-between time when a trans person starts to dress how they want
to, perhaps change their name, and perhaps change their body if they
choose. Because of the cost as well as other factors, transition can
be a very long process leaving people quite noticeable and open to discrimination.
Transphobia:
Fear or hatred of changing sex characteristics.
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