trans and non binary identities
Everyone has an internal sense of their own gender identity and for many people their internal sense will match with the assumptions made about them at birth, but it doesn’t always. For trans and non binary people the assumptions made about them at birth were incorrect, they were always the gender they are telling us they are – it is the assumptions made about them (based on their genitals) that were wrong.
It’s ok to question your identity.
Approximately 1% of the population are transgender.
Take a look at the genderbread person below to help explore biological sex versus gender identity.
Or if you prefer video information – take a look at this short YouTube clip on gender identities and pronouns.
The ‘transgender umbrella’ image below is a helpful way to understand identities. Under the ‘trans umbrella’ there are binary identities as well as non-binary identities.
The image below is a helpful way to understand the gender spectrum. Where do you feel you may be on the spectrum? Don’t worry if you’re not sure, that’s ok too!
Gender identity terminology
Our biological sex refers to our reproductive organs, hormones and chromosomes. Gender identity is how we think in our heads about ourselves.
Below are some definitions, but please be assured if you don’t see yourself reflected in the information below this is simply because we’ve only provided a very basic list. For detailed information please check these websites: Gires and TransHub
Cis Male: a person whose gender identity (male) matches the assumptions made about them at birth (male)
Cis Female: a person whose gender identity (female) matches the assumptions made about them at birth (female)
Trans Male: a person whose gender identity (male) does not match the assumptions made about them at birth (female)
Trans Female: a person whose gender identity (female) does not match the assumptions made about them at birth (male)
Trans masc: is an umbrella term that describes a trans person (generally one who was assigned female at birth), and whose gender is masculine and/or who express themselves in a masculine way.
Trans fem: is an umbrella term that describes a trans person (generally one who was assigned male at birth) and whose gender is feminine and/or who express themselves in a feminine way.
Intersex: a person who is born with a combination of both male & female biological sex organs / chromosomes. Approximately 1.7% of the population are intersex.
Non-binary: a person who does not identify as either a man or a woman – sometimes the term gender neutral is used.
Gender fluid: a person whose gender changes over time. A gender-fluid person might identify as a woman one day and a man the next, as agender, bigender, or another nonbinary identity. Their gender might change quickly — in a matter of hours — or slowly, over months or even years.
AFAB stands for assigned female at birth and may be used when a person’s gender identity is different from the female sex they were assigned at birth.
AMAB stands for assigned male at birth and may be used when a person’s gender identity is different from the male sex they were assigned at birth.
Keep in mind – definitions and language are constantly evolving!
And remember…
Labels do not equal rules! There are no rules – be who you want to be!
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