Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

• Gender Identity vs. Sex Assigned at Birth: The fundamental aspect of being transgender is the difference between one's internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere else along the gender spectrum (gender identity) and the sex that was assigned at birth, typically based on visible physical characteristics.
• Umbrella Term: Transgender encompasses a wide range of gender identities and experiences. Some common transgender identities include:
  • Transgender Man: Someone assigned female at birth who identifies as a man.
  • Transgender Woman: Someone assigned male at birth who identifies as a woman.
  • Non-binary: People whose gender identity is not exclusively male or female. Many non-binary people also identify as transgender.
• Not About Sexual Orientation: Gender identity is separate from sexual orientation. A transgender man can be gay, bisexual, heterosexual, asexual, or any other sexual orientation. Similarly, a transgender woman can have any sexual orientation.
• Transitioning: Many transgender people undergo a process called transitioning to align their lives more fully with their gender identity. This can involve social changes (like using different pronouns and names), legal changes (like changing gender markers on identification documents), and medical interventions (like hormone therapy or surgeries). However, not all transgender people choose to or are able to transition medically. Being transgender is about identity, not medical procedures.
• Diversity of Experiences: The experiences of transgender people are diverse. Some may realise their gender identity at a young age, while others may come to this understanding later in life. The ways in which transgender people express their gender and navigate the world also vary greatly.
• Respect for Identity: It is crucial to respect a transgender person's gender identity by using their correct pronouns and chosen name. Misgendering (referring to someone using pronouns or terms that don't align with their gender identity) can be deeply hurtful and invalidating.

In summary, transgender is an inclusive term for individuals whose internal sense of gender differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. It is a matter of identity and is separate from sexual orientation or whether someone chooses to undergo medical transition. Respecting the self-identified gender of transgender people is paramount.