Transgender

A transgender person has a gender identity that differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, someone assigned male at birth may identify as a girl, and vice versa. The term transgender is an umbrella word that also includes non-binary, gender fluid, and agender identities. Some transgender people choose to medically or socially transition, while others don’t. How does a gender transition work? And is acceptance of transgender people improving around the world?

Expression

Gender expression refers to the way you express your gender experience: what roles do you take on in daily life? What clothes do you wear? How do you behave towards others? Gender expression is what the outside world sees of you, as opposed to gender identity which is invisible and takes place inside.

Identity

Gender is a social construction and refers to the cultural, social and psychological interpretation of femininity and masculinity within a society. It includes all expectations, values and norms that we associate with a particular gender. This interpretation is highly context- and time-dependent.

attraction

Being romantically and/or sexually attracted to other people is called sexual/romantic preference or sexual/romantic orientation. A distinction is often made between LGB (gay, lesbian, bi) and straight, but there are many more expressions of a person's sexual orientation. Think of pansexuality, asexuality, and so on.

Sex

The sex is determined at birth. It is often based solely on what doctors observe visually at birth, and is recorded as such on the birth certificate. Doctors use standards about what a body should look like in order to register a newborn as a boy or girl. Usually people think that there are only two options: a male or female birth gender – and this is legally registered as well.

What is transgender?

The term transgender is used to describe individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned to them at birth. For example, a person assigned male at birth who identifies and lives as a woman is a transgender woman. Likewise, someone assigned female at birth who identifies as a man is referred to as a transgender man. However, being transgender isn’t limited to identifying strictly as male or female—some people identify outside the traditional gender binary entirely.

People who identify as both masculine and feminine, neither, or fluctuate between genders may use terms such as non-binary or genderqueer. These identities also fall under the transgender umbrella. The common thread is that their internal sense of gender doesn’t fully align with the gender they were assigned at birth. Gender identity is deeply personal, and there is no single way to be transgender.

According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, approximately 1.4 million people in the United States identify as transgender. These individuals represent a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. While some transgender people choose to socially or medically transition—through name changes, hormone therapy, or surgeries—others do not. Transition is a highly individual process, and not all transgender people want or have access to medical treatment.

Gender expression and being transgender

Many transgender people express their gender in ways that don’t align with traditional expectations of masculinity or femininity. This is known as being gender non-conforming. Gender expression can include choices in clothing, hairstyles, voice, mannerisms, and more. It’s also common for transgender individuals to adopt a name and pronouns that better reflect their gender identity.

It’s important to note that gender identity is different from sexual orientation. Being transgender doesn’t automatically mean someone is gay, straight, bisexual, or any other specific orientation. Gender is about who you are; sexual orientation is about who you are attracted to.

Understanding and respecting transgender people

Understanding what it means to be transgender is key to building a more inclusive society. For many transgender individuals, being recognized and respected for who they are is essential to their well-being. Acceptance starts with using correct names and pronouns, avoiding assumptions, and listening without judgment. The journey of gender discovery and affirmation can be empowering but also comes with challenges due to stigma, discrimination, and barriers in healthcare, education, and legal systems.

By increasing visibility and awareness of the transgender experience, we can help create a world where everyone feels safe to live as their authentic self. Gender identity is not always visible—and that’s okay. What matters most is supporting each person’s right to define who they are on their own terms.

Discover your gender

Expression

Gender expression refers to the way you express your gender experience: what roles do you take on in daily life? What clothes do you wear? How do you behave towards others? Gender expression is what the outside world sees of you, as opposed to gender identity which is invisible and takes place inside.

Identity

Gender is a social construction and refers to the cultural, social and psychological interpretation of femininity and masculinity within a society. It includes all expectations, values and norms that we associate with a particular gender. This interpretation is highly context- and time-dependent.

Attraction

Being romantically and/or sexually attracted to other people is called sexual/romantic preference or sexual/romantic orientation. A distinction is often made between LGB (gay, lesbian, bi) and straight, but there are many more expressions of a person’s sexual orientation. Think of pansexuality, asexuality, and so on.

Sex

The sex is determined at birth. It is often based solely on what doctors observe visually at birth, and is recorded as such on the birth certificate. Doctors use standards about what a body should look like in order to register a newborn as a boy or girl. Usually people think that there are only two options: a male or female birth gender – and this is legally registered as well.

Variations

Scientific research shows that gender has many more variations. Sex is after all not only determined by external sexual characteristics (the so-called ‘phenotypic’ sex). The gonadal sex (the sex based on the gonads present) is also important, as is the genetic sex (presence of X and/or Y chromosomes).

Discover

Gender is something everyone thinks they understand, but for most it’s complicated. Gender is not binary, it is not either/or. Often it is and/and. A little bit of this and a little bit of that. People are often hesitant to ask questions about sexuality and gender in surveys. What if I say the wrong thing or use the wrong terminology?

Gender identity

The term ‘gender identity’ (also called ‘psychic identity’) refers to the inner gender experience of feeling man/boy, woman/girl, alternately or (neither) both. Gender identities are usually divided into two large groups: cisgender and transgender.

  • Expression
  • Identity
  • attraction
  • Sex

Have you ever questioned your gender identity?


As awareness of gender diversity grows, more people feel safe to explore their own gender identity. This journey can be confusing, challenging long-held beliefs shaped by society and cissexism. But questioning your gender is not a problem—it's a natural part of self-discovery. Whether you're young or older, gender exploration can happen at any point in life. There’s no right or wrong way to feel. Gender is personal, fluid, and can evolve over time. Taking time to reflect can uncover meaningful experiences and help you better understand who you truly are.

Some questions to consider