What Does it Mean to be Transgender?

Let's face it, many people are confused when it comes to transgender and transsexual people. Even within the LGB community, there is much confusion and sometimes outright discrimination against transgender men and women. We've compiled this guide to help both straight and gay people to better understand what it means to be transgender. Men and women who are transgender, or who are transitioning, will also find some valuable tips and tools here.

What should I call a transgender person?
This is one of the first questions many people have. It can be difficult to know which pronoun to use when referring to someone who is transitioning between genders. As a general rule, the term transgender refers to people whose gender identity somehow differs from their gender or sex at birth. This doesn't depend on whether or not they've had sex re-assignment surgery. Those that have are typically called transsexual though many may simply like to be referred to by the gender that have now become. Read more on transgender pronouns.

What's the difference between transgender, transsexual, and cross-dressing?

As indicated above, transgender and transsexual both refer to men or women who identity as the gender they were not born as. In other words, a transgender man was born a female. Transsexuals are understood to be transgender people who have started or finished sex re-assignment surgeries. Cross-dressing, on the other hand, is something that some gay, transgender, and even straight people do. It means to dress like the opposite sex either for fun, to experience life as the opposite gender, or for social or political reasons. Let more about differences between these terms.

Why Shouldn't I Use the Word 'Tranny'?

The words 'tranny', 'he-she', 'she-male', and 'it' are considered derogatory to transgender people. Although common in both straight and gay communities, you should avoid using these words; find out why.

Do All Transgender People Get Sex Re-Assignment Surgeries?

No, they don't. Some people choose to never have sex re-assignment surgeries and instead live as the opposite sex without any medical attention. Others do they surgeries and/or take hormones. You can learn more about the options available to transgender people by reading this article.

What Resources are Available to Trans People?

Transgender people have every right to live full and happy lives, just like everyone else. In order to live fully and completely, trans people must have access to all the freedoms and pleasures enjoyed by others. Here's how that can happen:

Spirituality is a large part of many peoples' lives. Several churches and religious organizations are open to gay, lesbian, and transgender people.

Cities around the United States are becoming more trans-friendly. Salt Lake City is a good example.

Around the world, activists are getting more and more pumped about helping transgender people live the lives they want and deserve to live. A trans-women in Ecuador, for instance, is giving free make-overs.

Artists and authors are taking interest in trans stories. 'My Right Self' is an example of an exhibit documenting the trans-experience.

The Tranny Hotel event is another great way to learn more about transgender people. It also gives transgender artists a chance to showcase their work on an international scale.

Trans people often face difficulty when traveling outside their home countries. New passport rules are changing this.