Every Human can be described by four basic factors: Biological Sex, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sexual Orientation    

• Biological Sex: An assignment made, based on physical characteristics of the body.    
• Gender Identity: The persistent internal perception of one’s gender – how we know ourselves       
• Gender Expression: How we tell others our gender, by behaving or presenting    
• Sexual Orientation: Who we are attracted to and who we love – the physical, romantic, emotional and spiritual attraction to others.    

Important points to remember:

• Gender is more than the biological tissue you are born with.    
• Not everyone’s gender identity matches their reproductive organs.    
• Sexual orientation is not based on biological sex or gender identity.      
• Not everyone has clearly defined binary biological sex characteristics  

> What does “transgender” mean?             

A person is transgender when their personal identity does not match the sex assigned at birth.  It is an “umbrella term” used to describe a wide range of identities and experiences outside gender expectations.    

> What does “cisgender” mean?       

A person is cisgender when their personal identity matches the sex assigned at birth.    

> Is being transgender a lifestyle or a choice?    

No. The American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Psychiatric Association define it as a disconnect between the sex assigned at birth and the gender the brain identifies as.    

> How many people are transgender?    

According to a 2016 Williams Institute Report, approximately .6% of the population identifies as Transgender. This equates to approximately 1.4 million Americans, and over 100,000 New Yorkers.    

> Who is a trans girl/trans woman?              

A trans girl/trans woman is someone who identifies as female, but was assigned the sex of male at birth    

> Who is a trans boy/trans man?          

A transboy/trans man is someone who identifies as male, but was assigned the sex of female at birth    

> What is “gender transition”?         

The experience or process by which a person goes from living as one gender to another. There is no right way, and no right time.    

> What does “non-binary”, “gender non-conforming”, and/or “genderfluid” mean?    

Non-binary, gender non-conforming, and genderfluid are umbrella terms used to describe people who do not feel male or female and who may have behaviors and appearances that do not conform to social expectations. They may feel they embody elements of both sexes, or that they are somewhere in between, or that they are something completely different and don’t identify with any gender at all. Non-binary people aren’t confused about their gender identity. Non-binary identities have been recognized by cultures and societies around the world for centuries.     

Being non-binary has nothing to do with sexual orientation. Non-binary people have the same range of preferences as other people.    

> What does “intersex” mean? 

The term “intersex” is an umbrella term used to describe people with a wide range of natural biological variations. Intersex people are born with sex characteristics (including genitals, hormonal and chromosome patterns) that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies. This body variation is not connected to sexual orientation or gender identity.

Some people may be familiar with the term “hermaphrodite,” but it is no longer used. Intersex is the correct word to describe these individuals. 

> What is the Gender Binary?     

A classification of gender into two discrete categories: male and female.  No other possibilities are allowed to exist, and it describes a boundary that discourages crossing or mixing gender roles.

> What is heteronormativity?         

The belief that there are only two distinct and complementary genders: male and female.  Our culture supports behaviors and attitudes consistent with traditional gender roles.  It views heterosexual masculine men and heterosexual feminine women as normal, natural, and right.  It views all other gender and sexuality dynamics as abnormal, inferior, and wrong.    

> What is transphobia?      

The mix of cultural and personal beliefs that produces an irrational negative response that includes hostility, fear, discomfort, distrust and hate directed towards individuals or groups who do not conform to society’s gender expectations. Transphobia can be found in policies, laws, and social and economic arrangements that discriminate against Transgender and Non-Binary people.