What Is Transgender?

The term "transgender" is an umbrella term used to describe people whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned to them at birth. Transgender people may experience gender dysphoria, which is distress caused by the difference between their gender identity and assigned sex.

Transgender people may identify as male, female, or identify with a gender that falls outside the male-female binary, such as non-binary, agender, or genderqueer. Some transgender people may also identify as transsexual, which refers to people who have undergone or intend to undergo medical procedures to change their physical characteristics to align with their gender identity.

Transgender people face unique challenges and discrimination in many societies around the world. Some of the issues that transgender people may experience include:

- Misgendering: Being referred to by the incorrect name or pronouns.

- Discrimination in housing, employment, education, and healthcare.

- Violence and hate crimes.

- Lack of legal recognition and protection of their gender identity.

- Difficulty in accessing hormone therapy, surgery, and other medical care related to gender transition.

- Social isolation and rejection.

- Stigma and prejudice.