• Trans Man

    See FTM.

  • Trans woman

    See MTF.

  • Transgender

    An umbrella term to describe a person whose gender identity or expression differs from the gender they were assigned at birth. Female-to-male (FTM) transgender people were assigned female at birth but identify and live as male; male-to-female (MTF) transgender people were assigned male at birth but identify and live as female. The term may also be used to describe transsexuals, cross-dressers, and people who do not identify as either of the two sexes as currently defined. This is a Western term that does not pretend to translate or include the wide variety or non-conforming gender identities and expressions that exist around the world.

  • Transition

    A term used to refer to the process of altering one's birth sex. It is a complex process that occurs over a long period of time. Transition includes some or all of the following cultural, legal and medical adjustments: telling one's family, friends, and/or co-workers; changing one's name and/or sex on legal documents; hormone therapy; and possibly (though not always) some form of surgical alteration.

  • Transphobia

    A term used to refer to the fear and hatred of, or discomfort with, people whose gender identity or gender expression do not conform to cultural gender norms.

  • Transsexual(s)

    A term used to refer to individuals (men or women) whose biological sex does not correspond with their gender self-identity. The term "transsexual" often refers to transgender people who have undergone surgical procedures to modify their bodies to be in alignment with their gender identity. It is important to note that not all transgender people want to or can afford to have these surgeries.

  • Transvestite

    An outdated term used to refer to individuals who usually self-identify with their biological sex and gender but who sometimes wear the clothing, jewelry, etc., of another gender. The preferred term is crossdresser.

  • WSW

    An acronym that stands for Women who have Sex with Women and used to describe sexual behaviour. It is an inclusive term that can be used regardless of how an individual self-identifies.