Introduction
Sex: based on biological classification at birth, being that of male, female, or intersex
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Gender: how one perceives their own gender identity; can differ from one's gender expression
The acronym LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and beyond) can be misleading in that it combines the ideas of sexual orientation with gender identity within one thought. This being said, despite this combined acronym, the experience of those within minority sexual orientation groups does not directly correlate with that of transgender identities and intersex identities.
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Gender Identity: perception of one's own gender and gender expression
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Sexual Orientation: indicates the relation one has with the sexual and romantic attractions to others
Transgender Terminology
Transgender: An umbrella term for those whose gender identity does not align with one's assigned gender at birth
Examples of other Terminology
The examples given mean vastly different things for different people and this uniqueness is important to recognize when working with individuals who identify as such:
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- Non-Binary: broadly defined as a gender identity that does not alight within the gender binary
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- Gender Fluid: when one's gender identity is not fixed; can identify as masculine, feminine, or neither based on the feelings of the time, very personal to the individual
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- Agender: when an individual does not identify with a specific gender; not identifying with a specific gender
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Pronouns
- Pronouns are based on the preference of the individual being discussed
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Common Pronouns
she/her/hers he/him/his they/them/theirs
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- Some individuals also use pronouns sets such as she/they, he/they, they/he, they/she, or a combination of she/he/they
- For many individuals who use these pronoun sets, this means that they prefer an alternation between these pronouns but again, it is preferred to ask the individual's preference as to how to utilize their pronouns
- Examples of this: "She watched the movie with their friends." or "They get bored when reading books about history but he really enjoys books about the supernatural."
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Not everyone who identifies as non-binary or genderqueer considers themselves trans. This is a deeply personal choice and the terminology used for those within this community should be respected based on preference.
Workplace/Healthcare Inclusivity
Trans Identities and Mental Health
Gender Dysphoria: "psychological distress that results from an incongruence between one's sex assigned at birth and one's gender identity" (APA)
- Experienced by some transgender individuals
- Can often start in childhood but can also occur later in life -- puberty can also cause this to intensify
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Ways to Help Decrease Symptoms of Gender Dysphoria
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Social affirmation (changing one's name and pronouns)
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Legal affirmation (changing gender on legal documents)
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Medical affirmation (hormone treatments, puberty blockers)
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Surgical affirmation (vaginoplasty, facial feminization surgery, breast augmentation, masculine chest reconstruction/top surgery)
These choices are based on the individual's desires within their transition and choosing not to do any of these does not make the person any less trans. ​
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DSM-5 Diagnosis For Adolescents & Adults
"A marked incongruence between one's experienced/expressed gender and assigned gender, of at least six months' duration, as manifested by at least two or more of the following:
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A marked incongruence between one's experienced/expressed gender and primary and/or secondary sex characteristics (or in young adolescents, the anticipated secondary sex characteristics)
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A strong desire to be rid of one's primary and/or secondary sex characteristics because of a marked incongruence with one's experienced/expressed gender (or in young adolescents, a desire to prevent the development of the anticipated secondary sex characteristics)
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A strong desire for the primary and/or secondary sex characteristics of the other gender
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A strong desire to be of the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one's assigned gender)
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A strong desire to be treated as the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one's assigned gender)
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A strong conviction that one has the typical feelings and reactions of the other gender (or some alternative gender different from one's assigned gender)
The condition is associated with clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of function."
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