Transgender
Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Sex assigned at birth is based on external sex characteristics. The opposite of transgender is cisgender, which describes individuals whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex. People who were assigned male at birth but identify as female are referred to as MTF (male-to-female), while the reverse is known as FTM (female-to-male).
Some nonbinary individuals, whose gender identity exists outside of the male-female binary, also identify as transgender, but it’s not a universal rule and should not be assumed. People discover their transgender identity at different times in their lives; for some, it’s during adolescence, while others may not realize it until much later in adulthood. Many transgender and nonbinary individuals will seek gender-affirming care, a type of healthcare that assists in making one’s gender identity align with their physical appearance, sex characteristics, voice and speech patterns, etc.
Transmasculine
Transmasculine, often shortened to transmasc, is a term that refers to people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and have transitioned to a masculine gender identity. It’s important to note that a transmasculine identity does not automatically mean a person uses he/him pronouns.
Many transmasculine people use other pronouns while still aligning more with masculinity than another gender identity. For example, a nonbinary individual who uses they/them pronouns can still identify as transmasculine if it aligns with their sense of self. Some transmasculine individuals may also use multiple sets of pronouns, such as he/him and they/them, interchangeably or in different contexts.
Transphobia
Transphobia is the hatred, fear, disbelief, or mistrust of individuals whose gender identity is perceived to be different from the sex they were assigned at birth. This prejudice extends beyond transgender individuals and can affect anyone who is perceived as gender-nonconforming. Even cisgender people who do not conform to societal gender stereotypes can be subjected to transphobia.
Transphobia can manifest in different ways, from interpersonal to institutional forms. Interpersonal transphobia includes actions like repeatedly misgendering a transgender person after being corrected. Institutional transphobia often takes the form of hostile legislation or policies that restrict the rights and resources designed to protect gender minorities.
Two Spirit
Two-Spirit is a term used within some Native American communities to describe people who possess the attributes of both men and women. This identity existed for centuries before the European colonization of North America. Two-Spirit individuals were not considered men or women, but rather a third gender, and were often revered for their unique roles in their communities.
Two-Spirit people often took on roles traditionally reserved for the opposite sex; for example, Two-Spirit females could become warriors and hunt, while Two-Spirit males might take on trades like basket-weaving and pottery. Their unique perspective was often considered sacred, and they were frequently given the roles of healers or visionaries. The European colonization of North America suppressed this culture, as colonizers introduced their own concepts of gender and religion. This suppression was furthered by the forced assimilation of Indigenous children into predominantly white boarding schools, which stigmatized and suppressed the Two-Spirit identity.