An Exploration of Transgender Definitions
Whether you’re a teen navigating your own identity or a parent hoping to better understand a transgender child, having a clear grasp of gender-related terms can make this journey a little bit easier. At Ascend, we’re experts at exploring these topics and providing compassionate support for LGBTQ+ teens who have just started wrestling with these topics. In this blog, we’ll explore key transgender terms to help you better understand and support the trans community.
What Does It Mean to Be Transgender?
The term transgender refers to individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. This identity can take many forms, and transgender individuals may use a variety of terms to describe themselves. Let’s explore some key trans terminology and transgender definitions that will help deepen your understanding of the transgender experience.
1. Female to Male (FTM)
Female to male (FTM) refers to individuals who were assigned female at birth but identify as male. This group may also refer to themselves as trans men. Some FTM individuals may choose to undergo gender-affirming procedures like hormone therapy or surgery, while others may not. It’s important to respect each person’s journey, as every trans man has different needs and experiences.
2. Male to Female (MTF)
Male to female (MTF) is a transgender definition that refers to individuals who were assigned male at birth but identify as female. These individuals may come out to you and ask you to refer to them as trans women. Like FTM individuals, transgender women may or may not pursue gender-affirming treatments.
Exploring Non-Binary & Gender Non-Conforming Identities
Not all transgender individuals identify as strictly male or female. Some people may feel that their identity exists outside the binary understanding of gender. This section will explore transgender terms that describe non-binary and gender non-conforming experiences.
1. Genderqueer
Genderqueer is trans terminology used by individuals who reject the traditional binary notion of gender. Genderqueer people may identify as both male and female, neither, or something entirely different. This fluidity allows individuals to express their gender in a way that feels most authentic to them on any given day.
2. Gender Non-Conforming
Gender non-conforming isn’t exactly a transgender term, as not every gender non-conforming individual identifies as transgender. This term refers to people whose gender expression doesn’t always align with societal expectations of how men or women should behave or present themselves. This can involve clothing, hairstyles, or behavior that doesn’t conform to traditional gender roles.
3. Multi-Gender
Multi-gender individuals experience more than one gender identity. These identities may fluctuate over time, and a person may feel like they are different genders at different times or even multiple genders at once. Transgender definitions, such as bigender or trigender, fall under the multi-gender umbrella.
4. Third Gender
Third gender is a term that describes people who identify as neither male nor female, but as another gender altogether. Many cultures, such as Native American Two-Spirit communities and Hijra of South Asian societies, have long recognized the existence of a third gender. In some parts of the world, Third Gender is a legally recognized transgender definition.
Understanding the Role of Expression
Gender identity and gender expression are distinct but related concepts. Gender identity is an internal sense of who a person is, while gender expression refers to how someone presents themselves to the world.
Drag Queen
A drag queen is typically a person, often a man, who dresses in exaggerated feminine clothing and makeup as part of a performance. Drag queens do not necessarily identify as transgender, as drag is often seen as a form of artistic expression rather than a reflection of personal identity. Drag kings are now an emerging part of the performance scene.
Fostering Understanding & Compassion at Ascend
Understanding the transgender experience and trans terminology is an important step toward building a more inclusive society where everyone can express themselves freely. Learning these transgender definitions can help you become more compassionate, supportive, and informed.
At Ascend, we offer specialized programs for LGBTQ+ teens, including those suffering from gender dysphoria. If you or someone you love is navigating gender-related challenges, reach out to us today at 310.388.3713 or contact us online to learn more.
