GLAAD's Transgender Resource Page
Frequently Asked Questions What does 'transgender' mean? 'Transgender' is a term used to describe people whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth. Transgender people may or may not decide to alter their bodies hormonally and/or surgically. How is sexual orientation different from gender identity? Sexual orientation describes an individual's enduring physical, romantic, emotional, and/or spiritual attraction to another person. Gender identity is one's personal sense of being a man or a woman. For transgender people, their birth-assigned sex and their own internal sense of gender identity do not match. Transgender people may be heterosexual, lesbian, gay, or bisexual. For example, a biological male who transitions to female and is attracted to other women would be identified as a lesbian. How do I talk about transgender people?
Incorrect: "Max is transgendered." Correct: "Max is transgender."
What terminology is offensive to transgender people? The following terms are usually considered offensive and/or defamatory to transgender people:
Why is using the word 'tranny' considered offensive? The term 'tranny' is used as a dehumanizing slur to describe transgender individuals and is oftentimes the last word someone hears before they are brutally attacked. Similar to the anti-gay epithet 'fa**ot,' the term 'tranny' is commonly used to humiliate and degrade transgender individuals.
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Related Links: GLAAD Media Reference Guide Transgender Glossary of Terms GLAAD Blog – Transgender Community GLAAD Blog – Remember Angie Zapata and Reflecting on Media Coverage of Transgender People The Angie Zapata Murder: Violence Against Transgender People Resource Kit
Resources: Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition National Center for Transgender Equality New York Association for Gender Rights Advocacy NYC LGBT Center's Gender Identity Project Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference Sylvia Rivera Law Project TNET – PFLAG's Transgender Network Transcending Boundaries Conference Transgender Day of Remembrance Transgender Law Center (SF) Transgender Law and Policy Institute Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund TransJustice Trans Youth Family Allies
Transgender people in crisis should contact The Trevor Project 's 24/7 Lifeline at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386), Trevor Chat, the Trevor Projects' online messaging service, or The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). ###
About GLAAD The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality.
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