Trans Person: Understanding Transgender Identity and Transition

What is a Trans Person?

A trans person is simply someone whose gender is not the one they were assigned at birth. It’s an act of reclaiming power over oneself, a monumental “fuck you” addressed to the quick checkbox filled by a doctor years ago. The adjective “trans” is the most common diminutive for transgender. It encompasses an immense diversity of experiences and journeys. Being trans is not a costume you put on at night, nor a whim or a phase. It is a deep identity, an inner truth that asserts itself, whether the rest of the world is ready to hear it or not.

The diversity of transition journeys

There isn’t just one way to be trans, but an infinite number. There are trans women, who were assigned male at birth but are women. There are trans men, who were assigned female at birth but are men. Each transition journey is unique. For some, it involves medical transition with hormones and/or surgical operations to align their body with their feelings. For others, transition is primarily social: changing their name, pronouns, and wardrobe. And for still others, none of these steps are necessary. A trans person has nothing to prove; their identity is valid, period. Other words like “transsexual” exist, but are often considered outdated or too medicalizing. The simplest and most respectful approach is to follow the vocabulary the person uses to define themselves.