Trans-Glossary
This list of terms is an on-going working definition of words and ideas associated with transgender communities and a resource provided Metropolitan Community Churches. This glossary has been compiled from a number of sources. There is no universal agreement on the definitions of these various terms, and this list is not intended to provide or imply one, but rather to offer a general understanding of words and terms that may be helpful when living and working in, with, and through the trans communities.
CD (Cross Dresser)
Someone who adopts the dress, manner, or role of a gender other than that assigned at birth, usually for emotional or sexual reasons. Cross dressers are usually comfortable with the gender they were assigned at birth and do not wish to transition. Previously called Transvestites.
Chromosomal
Pertaining to a rod-shaped element of the cell that appears in the nucleus as cells start to divide. Usually X and Y.
FTM (Female to Male)
Someone assigned female gender at birth, for whom the assigned gender does not fit. Can be used as an inclusive term for all transgender people who are predominantly male-identified. Also, Transman, Trans Man, TransMan.
Gender
A set of complex and often contradictory socially constructed signifiers associated with a person's masculinity or femininity. Includes but is not limited to genitalia, gonads, chromosomes, hormones, secondary sex characteristics, psychological or emotional self-understanding, roles, clothing, mannerisms, interests, and language. Gender is and can be assigned at birth, assigned by others interpreting these signifiers, or claimed for and expressed by one's self.
Gender Binary
The social construct that limits human gender expression to a choice between only male and female. The assumption that all people can and should conform to one of two genders. One legacy of the gender binary, even for those who reject it, is a limited common vocabulary with which to describe ourselves, others, and human gender expression.
Gender Dysphoria
Gender Dysphoria also known as "Gender Identity Disorder" is defined by the medical profession as "anxiety, confusion and/or discomfort about ones birth gender."
Mild forms of Gender Dysphoria can cause feelings of "belonging to the opposite sex" whilst in the most sever forms the individual seeks to change their gender to the one they believe their body should represent.
This is often referred to as Transsexualism. Also Gender Dysmorphia.
Gender Identity
How one understands and expresses one's own gender, which may or may not conform to the gender assigned at birth. Gender identity is not limited by the binary or by genitals and other signifiers.
Gender Identity Disorder (GID)
A diagnosis in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The diagnosis is controversial because it pathologizes people who do not conform to cultural gender norms. GID additionally is sometimes used as a "back-door" diagnosis for lesbian and gay people, especially youth, since homosexuality was removed as a disorder in 1973. The term replaced the outdated term "gender dysphoria."
Genderqueer
A person or identity that does not conform to or intentionally plays with the gender binary. Most often used specifically in contrast to Transgender to avoid connotations of transition.
Gender Role
A set of socially constructed assumptions of how a person should think, feel, and act based on their gender. Among other things, these definitions vary by culture, class, region, age, and race and ethnicity.
Genitals
Reproductive organs. Usually vagina and penis.
Gonadal
Pertaining to the gonads or sex glands. Usually ovaries and testes.
Harry Benjamin
U.S. physician who developed a system to identify and treat gender nonconforming people. The Benjamin Scale identifies gender orientation in people assigned male gender at birth and ranges from Type I (Transvestite, pseudo) through Type VI (True Transsexual, high intensity). The Harry Benjamin Standards of Care provides guidelines for what steps a patient should undertake before being considered for hormone therapy or gender reassignment surgery.
Hormonal
Pertaining to chemicals produced by glands in the body which control the actions of certain cells or organs. Usually estrogen and testosterone.
Intersex or Intergender
Persons whose hormones, chromosomes, gonads, and genitalia do not conform to the socially constructed standard of the gender binary. There are more than 70 intersex conditions, some of which are not apparent at birth. Intersex persons are often subjected to physically, emotionally, and sexually harmful "reconstructive" surgeries at young ages. Previously called Hermaphrodites, these are an individuals who does not identify strongly as either male or female and who do not fit neatly into a typical masculine or feminine role.The terminology can also be used to describe someone who naturally has both male and female physical characteristics.
MTF (Male to Female)
Someone assigned male gender at birth, for whom the assigned gender does not fit. Can be used as an inclusive term for all transgender people who are predominantly female-identified. Also, Transwoman, Trans Woman, TransWoman.
Secondary Sex Characteristics
Gender signifiers affected by hormones and usually developed at puberty. Includes but is not limited to menstruation, facial and other hair patterns, breasts, and larynx.
Sex
a. A term referring to physical gender signifiers used to assign gender at birth and to reinscribe gender throughout life, including genitalia, gonads, chromosomes, hormones, and secondary sex characteristics. As such, it assumes a gender binary and proscribes gender according to biological criteria.
b. Arousal or erotic behavior with oneself or with others.
Sexuality
One's unique expression and experience of arousal or erotic attraction, often understood in terms of the gender of those involved. Includes but is not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, kink, BDSM (bondage-domination-sadism-masochism), heterosexual, queer, polyamorous, fetish.
SO (Significant Other)
One or more people with whom one is particularly emotionally or practically interdependent. Includes but is not limited to partner, husband, wife, spouse, lover.
SOFFA (Significant Others, Family, Friends, Allies)
One's community of support.
SRS (Sexual Reassignment Surgery)
A procedure that employs surgical and hormonal treatment to obtain desired physical characteristics of another gender.
TG
Abbreviation for Transgender.
Trans
Shortened term or identity often used to encompass and blur or erase the distinctions between Transgender, Transsexual, and Transition.
Transgender
Having a gender identity that does not conform to the gender assigned at birth. Usually understood as a general or umbrella term that encompasses a broad range of people who all experience atypical gender identity development but the way they express their gender roles may vary widely. This includes but not limited to Transsexual, Genderqueer, Intersex, and Cross-Dressers. Some need to express an alternative gender role only occasionally. A relatively small number of others experience transsexualism, which is the overwhelming need to transition to live permanently in the role that conforms to their innate gender identities. Transgender people may or may not choose surgical or hormonal treatment.
Transition
The life-long process of moving from the gender assigned at birth to another gender. Usually understood as involving some level of surgical or hormonal treatment, but which may also refer to role, identity or name changes.
Transman
Someone assigned female gender at birth, for whom the assigned gender does not fit. Can be used as an inclusive term for all transgender people who are predominantly male-identified. Also, FTM, Trans Man, TransMan.
Transphobia
Transphobia refers to discrimination against trans people based upon fear and none-acceptance by "so called normal people", purely because the trans person does not match the perception identified.
This can have sever consequences for the trans person, usually resulting in harassment, verbal abuse, and in some case physical assault.
Transsexual
Having a gender identity that does not conform to the gender assigned at birth. Usually someone who seeks to live full-time as another gender, especially through surgical or hormonal treatment to obtain desired physical characteristics. Often used in conjunction with the terms FTM or MTF.
Transsexualism
Transsexualism is one of a range of atypical developments of male or female characteristics that result from unusual chromosomal/genetic and/or hormonal factors.
These factors have the potential to lead to inconsistencies in the differentiation of the genitalia, gonads and brain.
These developments may be described as intersex conditions.
Transvestite or Cross Dresser
This describes a person who likes to dress in the clothes usually associated with someone of the opposite gender, such as a man liking to wear women's clothes, or a woman dressing as a man. This does not mean that they want to change gender or physically change their bodies.
Transwoman
Someone assigned male gender at birth, for whom the assigned gender does not fit. Can be used as an inclusive term for all transgender people who are predominantly female-identified. Also, MTF, Trans Woman, TransWoman.
TS
Abbreviation for Transsexual.
This list of terms is an on-going working definition of words and ideas associated with transgender communities and a resource provided Metropolitan Community Churches. This glossary has been compiled from a number of sources. There is no universal agreement on the definitions of these various terms, and this list is not intended to provide or imply one, but rather to offer a general understanding of words and terms that may be helpful when living and working in, with, and through the trans communities.
CD (Cross Dresser)
Someone who adopts the dress, manner, or role of a gender other than that assigned at birth, usually for emotional or sexual reasons. Cross dressers are usually comfortable with the gender they were assigned at birth and do not wish to transition. Previously called Transvestites.
Chromosomal
Pertaining to a rod-shaped element of the cell that appears in the nucleus as cells start to divide. Usually X and Y.
FTM (Female to Male)
Someone assigned female gender at birth, for whom the assigned gender does not fit. Can be used as an inclusive term for all transgender people who are predominantly male-identified. Also, Transman, Trans Man, TransMan.
Gender
A set of complex and often contradictory socially constructed signifiers associated with a person's masculinity or femininity. Includes but is not limited to genitalia, gonads, chromosomes, hormones, secondary sex characteristics, psychological or emotional self-understanding, roles, clothing, mannerisms, interests, and language. Gender is and can be assigned at birth, assigned by others interpreting these signifiers, or claimed for and expressed by one's self.
Gender Binary
The social construct that limits human gender expression to a choice between only male and female. The assumption that all people can and should conform to one of two genders. One legacy of the gender binary, even for those who reject it, is a limited common vocabulary with which to describe ourselves, others, and human gender expression.
Gender Dysphoria
Gender Dysphoria also known as "Gender Identity Disorder" is defined by the medical profession as "anxiety, confusion and/or discomfort about ones birth gender."
Mild forms of Gender Dysphoria can cause feelings of "belonging to the opposite sex" whilst in the most sever forms the individual seeks to change their gender to the one they believe their body should represent.
This is often referred to as Transsexualism. Also Gender Dysmorphia.
Gender Identity
How one understands and expresses one's own gender, which may or may not conform to the gender assigned at birth. Gender identity is not limited by the binary or by genitals and other signifiers.
Gender Identity Disorder (GID)
A diagnosis in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The diagnosis is controversial because it pathologizes people who do not conform to cultural gender norms. GID additionally is sometimes used as a "back-door" diagnosis for lesbian and gay people, especially youth, since homosexuality was removed as a disorder in 1973. The term replaced the outdated term "gender dysphoria."
Genderqueer
A person or identity that does not conform to or intentionally plays with the gender binary. Most often used specifically in contrast to Transgender to avoid connotations of transition.
Gender Role
A set of socially constructed assumptions of how a person should think, feel, and act based on their gender. Among other things, these definitions vary by culture, class, region, age, and race and ethnicity.
Genitals
Reproductive organs. Usually vagina and penis.
Gonadal
Pertaining to the gonads or sex glands. Usually ovaries and testes.
Harry Benjamin
U.S. physician who developed a system to identify and treat gender nonconforming people. The Benjamin Scale identifies gender orientation in people assigned male gender at birth and ranges from Type I (Transvestite, pseudo) through Type VI (True Transsexual, high intensity). The Harry Benjamin Standards of Care provides guidelines for what steps a patient should undertake before being considered for hormone therapy or gender reassignment surgery.
Hormonal
Pertaining to chemicals produced by glands in the body which control the actions of certain cells or organs. Usually estrogen and testosterone.
Intersex or Intergender
Persons whose hormones, chromosomes, gonads, and genitalia do not conform to the socially constructed standard of the gender binary. There are more than 70 intersex conditions, some of which are not apparent at birth. Intersex persons are often subjected to physically, emotionally, and sexually harmful "reconstructive" surgeries at young ages. Previously called Hermaphrodites, these are an individuals who does not identify strongly as either male or female and who do not fit neatly into a typical masculine or feminine role.The terminology can also be used to describe someone who naturally has both male and female physical characteristics.
MTF (Male to Female)
Someone assigned male gender at birth, for whom the assigned gender does not fit. Can be used as an inclusive term for all transgender people who are predominantly female-identified. Also, Transwoman, Trans Woman, TransWoman.
Secondary Sex Characteristics
Gender signifiers affected by hormones and usually developed at puberty. Includes but is not limited to menstruation, facial and other hair patterns, breasts, and larynx.
Sex
a. A term referring to physical gender signifiers used to assign gender at birth and to reinscribe gender throughout life, including genitalia, gonads, chromosomes, hormones, and secondary sex characteristics. As such, it assumes a gender binary and proscribes gender according to biological criteria.
b. Arousal or erotic behavior with oneself or with others.
Sexuality
One's unique expression and experience of arousal or erotic attraction, often understood in terms of the gender of those involved. Includes but is not limited to lesbian, gay, bisexual, kink, BDSM (bondage-domination-sadism-masochism), heterosexual, queer, polyamorous, fetish.
SO (Significant Other)
One or more people with whom one is particularly emotionally or practically interdependent. Includes but is not limited to partner, husband, wife, spouse, lover.
SOFFA (Significant Others, Family, Friends, Allies)
One's community of support.
SRS (Sexual Reassignment Surgery)
A procedure that employs surgical and hormonal treatment to obtain desired physical characteristics of another gender.
TG
Abbreviation for Transgender.
Trans
Shortened term or identity often used to encompass and blur or erase the distinctions between Transgender, Transsexual, and Transition.
Transgender
Having a gender identity that does not conform to the gender assigned at birth. Usually understood as a general or umbrella term that encompasses a broad range of people who all experience atypical gender identity development but the way they express their gender roles may vary widely. This includes but not limited to Transsexual, Genderqueer, Intersex, and Cross-Dressers. Some need to express an alternative gender role only occasionally. A relatively small number of others experience transsexualism, which is the overwhelming need to transition to live permanently in the role that conforms to their innate gender identities. Transgender people may or may not choose surgical or hormonal treatment.
Transition
The life-long process of moving from the gender assigned at birth to another gender. Usually understood as involving some level of surgical or hormonal treatment, but which may also refer to role, identity or name changes.
Transman
Someone assigned female gender at birth, for whom the assigned gender does not fit. Can be used as an inclusive term for all transgender people who are predominantly male-identified. Also, FTM, Trans Man, TransMan.
Transphobia
Transphobia refers to discrimination against trans people based upon fear and none-acceptance by "so called normal people", purely because the trans person does not match the perception identified.
This can have sever consequences for the trans person, usually resulting in harassment, verbal abuse, and in some case physical assault.
Transsexual
Having a gender identity that does not conform to the gender assigned at birth. Usually someone who seeks to live full-time as another gender, especially through surgical or hormonal treatment to obtain desired physical characteristics. Often used in conjunction with the terms FTM or MTF.
Transsexualism
Transsexualism is one of a range of atypical developments of male or female characteristics that result from unusual chromosomal/genetic and/or hormonal factors.
These factors have the potential to lead to inconsistencies in the differentiation of the genitalia, gonads and brain.
These developments may be described as intersex conditions.
Transvestite or Cross Dresser
This describes a person who likes to dress in the clothes usually associated with someone of the opposite gender, such as a man liking to wear women's clothes, or a woman dressing as a man. This does not mean that they want to change gender or physically change their bodies.
Transwoman
Someone assigned male gender at birth, for whom the assigned gender does not fit. Can be used as an inclusive term for all transgender people who are predominantly female-identified. Also, MTF, Trans Woman, TransWoman.
TS
Abbreviation for Transsexual.
