What does trans mean

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Last updated: April 4, 2026

Quick Answer: Transgender, or trans, is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. This means a person who was assigned male at birth may identify as female, and a person assigned female at birth may identify as male. Some trans people also identify as non-binary, meaning their gender identity is not exclusively male or female.

Key Facts

Gender identity is a person's internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere else along the gender spectrum.
Sex assigned at birth is typically based on external genitalia observed by a medical professional.
Transitioning is the process some transgender people undertake to align their gender expression with their gender identity, which may or may not involve medical interventions.
The term 'transgender' encompasses a wide range of gender identities and expressions.
Being transgender is not a mental illness, though gender dysphoria (distress caused by the incongruence between gender identity and assigned sex) is recognized and treatable.

Overview

The term 'trans' is short for transgender. It is an umbrella term used to describe individuals whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender identity is a deeply personal, internal sense of one's own gender. This can be male, female, a combination of both, or neither. For instance, someone assigned male at birth might identify and live as a woman, and someone assigned female at birth might identify and live as a man. These individuals are often referred to as transgender men and transgender women, respectively.

It's crucial to understand that gender identity is distinct from sexual orientation. A transgender person can be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, asexual, or any other sexual orientation, just like cisgender (non-transgender) people.

Understanding Gender Identity and Sex Assigned at Birth

When a baby is born, a medical professional typically assigns a sex based on visible external genitalia. This is known as the sex assigned at birth. However, this assignment does not dictate a person's internal sense of self, which is their gender identity. For transgender individuals, their gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

The concept of gender is complex and exists on a spectrum. While many people identify with the sex they were assigned at birth (cisgender), a significant portion of the population identifies as transgender or gender non-conforming. This includes individuals who identify as non-binary, genderfluid, agender, or other identities that fall outside the traditional male/female binary.

Transitioning: A Personal Journey

For some transgender individuals, the process of aligning their outward presentation and life with their gender identity is called transitioning. Transitioning is a highly personal journey and can look different for everyone. It may involve a variety of steps, some of which are social, some legal, and some medical:

Social Transition: This can include changing one's name and pronouns, altering clothing and hairstyles, and coming out to friends, family, and colleagues.
Legal Transition: This involves updating legal documents such as a driver's license, passport, and birth certificate to reflect one's gender identity.
Medical Transition: This may involve hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to develop secondary sex characteristics aligned with one's gender identity, and/or gender-affirming surgeries. It is important to note that not all transgender people choose or have access to medical transition steps. Their gender identity is valid regardless of whether they pursue medical interventions.

Distinguishing Transgender from Other Concepts

It's important to differentiate being transgender from other related concepts:

Gender Expression: This refers to how a person outwardly presents their gender, through clothing, behavior, and other means. Gender expression does not necessarily indicate gender identity. For example, a transgender woman might present in a masculine way, and a cisgender man might present in a feminine way.
Sexual Orientation: As mentioned earlier, this is about who a person is attracted to romantically and/or sexually. It is independent of gender identity. A transgender person can be straight, gay, bisexual, etc.
Intersex: Intersex is an umbrella term for people born with variations in sex characteristics, including chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones, or genitals, that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. Intersex variations are natural biological variations and are distinct from gender identity. An intersex person can be cisgender or transgender.

Inclusivity and Respect

Using the correct name and pronouns for transgender individuals is a fundamental aspect of showing respect. Pronouns (such as he/him, she/her, they/them) are personal and should be used as indicated by the individual. If you are unsure, it is always best to politely ask. Understanding and respecting transgender identities fosters a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and major medical organizations recognize that being transgender is a matter of identity, not a mental disorder. While some transgender individuals may experience gender dysphoria – the distress caused by the incongruence between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth – this is a condition that can be addressed through affirmation and, if desired, medical and social transition steps. It is not inherent to being transgender itself.