TransLife.net Transgender 101 - Basic Definitions

There are a lot of terms that can be confusing in the Transgendered community. Many people think these words are interchangeable, when in fact, they aren't always. Some don't even realize that there are some terms that are insulting and rude to many trans people. This page is a nice, simple list of the most common terms. The parenthetical abbreviations are what is commonly used in chat rooms and instant messaging. Be warned that these terms are not 100% solid. They are the more common definitions for the words, but there will be those that define the terms differently. If you want a printer friendly version, click here.

Sex

1. The physical body. Genetics. What's between your legs basically.
2. The physical act of sexual intercourse.

Gender

What you percieve yourself to be. Male, female, androgenous, neuter, both, whatever. It's the mental image of what you are.

Gender Identity

The core concept to transgender. The concept of identifying as a certain gender, be it in alignment with your body or not.

Gender Identity Disorder (GID)

The DSM-IV classification for those individuals that cannot resolve the gender/sex conflict they face. It is actually a mental disorder, and is usually only diagnosed in more severe cases. (i.e. transsexuals).

Gender Dysphoria

A strong emotional and sometimes physical discomfort or pain resulting from a serious unresolved gender/sex conflict. Often times gender dysphoria results in severe depression.

Transgender (TG)

1. A category representing all individuals who demonstrate some sort of gender variant/queer behavior
2. A gender variant/queer person

Transsexual (TS)

A transgendered individual with a conflict between gender and sex so strong, that many seek out physical changes to resolve the issues. These changes may include hormone replacement to reconstructive surgery.

Cross Dresser (CD)

A person of one sex that occasionally will wear the clothing of the opposite sex. The majority of cross dressers are straight genetic males, frequently married and with children. Reasons for dressing are usually out of a need to express an inner, inherent femininity. Most are comfortable with their body and do not go beyond clothing.

Transvestite (TV)

Is frequently used interchageably with Cross Dresser. However, some view this as somewhat of a derogatory word. It is less friendly, and is sometimes used to refer to fetishistic cross dressing. That meaning those who cross dress because it is a sexual turn on.

Drag Queen

Primarily gay men that cross dress for counter culture reasons. They usually have little to no gender conflict at all.

Shemale

This term is referring to mainly transsexuals. It is frequently considered very derogatory and extremely insulting. The term originates out of pornography, and implies the individual is working in the porn industry. This term is the transgender equivalent of the "n" word among the african american population. Do not use this term.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

A treatment in which hormones of the opposing genetic sex are taken to change the physical body to resemble the opposite sex. This is usually done by prescription with an endocrinologist, but many also self-medicate through online pharmacies. It's much safer to go through a doctor though.

Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS)

Surgery that involves reconstructing the genitalia to resemble the genitalia of the desired gender role. Commonly known as the sex change surgery, and also known as gender reconstruction sugery (GRS), as well as a few others.

Sex Change

A term referring to SRS, but is a misconception. This term misconstrues SRS as an actual sex change. In reality it is not possible to change your sex. It is only possible to change your outward appearance to resemble the body of the opposing sex.

Facial Reconstruction Surgury (FRS)

Surgery that changes the shape of the face. Some trans people feel it necessary in order to pass as a member of the desired gender role. This is usually very expensive and very painful. Most often it is done by Male to Female Transsexuals.

Tracheal Shave

A surgical procedure involving shaving the cartilage of the adam's apple to reduce it's size and acheive a more feminine appearance.

Female to Male (FTM)

A genetic female that identifies with the male gender.

Male to Female (MTF)

A genetic male that identifies with the female gender.