Transgender describes a person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Transgender, often shortened to trans, describes someone whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. A person assigned male at birth who identifies as a woman is a trans woman.
Being transgender is about gender identity, not sexual orientation. Trans people can be straight, gay, bisexual, or any orientation, just like anyone else.
Transgender and Transitioning
Some trans people transition to live as their true gender. This can be social, like a new name and pronouns, medical, or both. Transitioning is personal, and not every trans person takes the same steps.
The opposite of transgender is cisgender, where identity matches assigned sex.
Respect in Dating
The basics go a long way. Use a person’s correct name and pronouns, do not ask invasive questions about their body, and treat their identity as a normal part of who they are.