Understanding Transgender
What Does Transgendered Mean?
A Transgendered (TG) person is someone whose gender identity (man or woman) does not match their biological sex (male or female). For most people, there is no incongruity between their biological sex and their internal gender identification. For TG people, their gender identity is in conflict with their biological sex.
Are there different types of Transgendered individuals?
Yes! The term Transgendered (TG) is an umbrella term used for many kinds of people with differing gender expression:
- Transgendered- The TG term is also used for someone who feels more comfortable as the other gender. TG individuals live part or full-time as the other gender.
- Transsexual- Seeks to permanently change body to match her or his personal gender definition through gender reassignment surgery (GRS). "Non-op" refers to a person who has all the hormonal/surgical treatment except the GRS because s/he has no desire to proceed with the surgery, or cannot financially afford it.
- Transvestite- Wears clothing of a gender opposite their birth sex for emotional or sexual purposes.
- Two Spirited- Having both female and male spirits (Native American culture). Often viewed with respect because they were able to hold both gender spirits in their bodies.
- Intersexed or Hermaphrodite- Rare medical condition where babies are born with both male and female sexual organs. Sex is assigned at birth.
Can people stop being Transgendered?
No. People cannot change their gender identity. Gender identity is believed to be related to neuroanatomy, hormones, and/or genetics. Although some people will "give it up," they typically return to cross dressing and recognize that they cannot fight their true nature.
Gender identity is NOT the same as sexual orientation.
- Gender identity- refers to how a person identifies as a man or a woman..
- Sexual orientation- refers to a romantic and sexual connection to a particular gender or genders (lesbian, gay, bisexual, or heterosexual).
A person's sexual orientation does not change after hormonal therapy or GRS. For example, when a genetic male, who is attracted to women undergoes the GRS (thereby becoming a woman), she would call herself a lesbian. She now identifies as a woman (gender identity) who is attracted to other women (sexual orientation).
If you think you are Transgendered . . .
You may feel that you feel confused or don't know how to talk to your friends about this topic. It is important to explore your gender identity and seek help, whether that be through friends, family, counseling, support groups, or on-line chat rooms. Books, magazines, and web pages can help normalize your experience. Support from others will be important as you accept yourself.
If you have a friend who is Transgendered . . .
People want to be referred to in a language that represents their internal sense of self. Use the pronouns that are congruent with the gender they are presenting with. If someone close to you is TG, then ask her or him what pronoun you should use. In addition, ask if they are going to continue to use their birth name or if they have chosen a new name.
Where can you get support for being Transgendered?
- Counseling can be beneficial as you learn to accept this part of yourself and tell friends and/or family.
- Support groups with other TG individuals will offer a community as you explore your gender identity.
- Gender specialists can assist you in the fine details of how to act in your new gender (e.g.. voice training).
- Consultation with someone who is familiar with Transgendered issues can help guide you through medical and legal procedures.
National Support Groups
- International Federation for Gender Education (IFGE)
- Society for the Second Self (Tri-Ess)
- Renaissance Education Association
- FTM International
Partner Support Groups
- Spouses and Partners International Conference for Education
- Crossdresser's Significant Others (CDSO)
- Rainbow Trail-Support for family and friends
References
- Trans forming families: Real stories about transgendered loved ones. Boenke, M. (Ed.) (2003). New Castle, DE: Oak Knoll Press.
- My gender workbook. Bornstein, K. (1997). NY: Routledge.
- True selves : Understanding transsexualism--for families, friends, coworkers, and helping professionals. Brown, M. L. & Rounsley, C. A. (1996). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
- Identity management in transsexualism: A practical guide to managing identity on paper. Denny, D. (1994). King of Prussia, PA: Creative Design Services.
- Trans liberation: Beyond pink /blue. Feinberg, L. (1999). Boston: Beacon Press.
- Feminizing hormonal therapy for the transgendered. Kirk, S. (1999). Blawnox, PA: Together Lifeworks.
- My husband wears my clothes: Crossdressing from the perspective of a wife. Rudd, P. (1993). Katy, TX: PM Pub.
- Crossdressing with dignity: The case for transcending gender lines. Rudd, P. (1999). Katy, TX: PM Pub.
- The transsexual's survival guide: To transition and beyond. Stringer, J. A. (1990). King of Prussia, PA: Creative Design Services.
- Transsexual workers: An employer's guide. Walworth, J. (1998). Bellingham, WA: Center for Gender Sanity.
- Transsexual workers: An guide for coworkers. Walworth, J. (1999). Bellingham, WA: Center for Gender Sanity.
Brochure Author: Jennifer Sager, M.Ed.
Series Editor: Jaquelyn Liss Resnick, Ph.D.
Published by: University of Florida Counseling Center 301 Peabody Hall, Gainesville FL 32611 (352) 392-1575 © 2003