transgender

[ trans-jen-der, tranz‑ ]

adjective

1. noting or relating to a person whose gender identity does not correspond to that person’s sex assigned at birth: She identifies as transgender.

   The organization supports transgender rights.

   She identifies as transgender.

2. noting or relating to a person who does not conform to societal gender norms or roles.

noun

1. Usually Offensive. a person who is transgender.

transgender

/ ˌtrænzˈdʒɛndə /

adjective

1. of or relating to a person who wants to belong to the opposite sex

Sensitive Note

The term transgender has largely replaced the older term transsexual, which is now considered outdated, though some people within the community continue to identify with the word transsexual, especially older people. Transgender is a less clinical term, referring more to gender identity and gender expression than to physical sex characteristics or sexual orientation. It is also a more general and inclusive term: a transgender person may be nonbinary, gender-fluid, genderqueer, third gender, etc. Use of transgender as a noun (One of my colleagues is a transgender ) is declining and is usually taken as offensive. And many people object to the adjectival variant transgendered (One of my colleagues is transgendered ) because the –ed suffix seems to imply that something happened to make the person transgender. trans, transsexual.

Derived Forms

• ˌtransˈgendered, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of transgender¹

First recorded in 1970–75; trans- none + gender ¹none

Example Sentences

Mace and other Republicans have made no secret of the fact that these moves are directly targeted at Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, D-Del., a transgender woman.

From Salon

Throughout his campaign, Trump promised to cut funding to any school that teaches critical race theory or “transgender insanity,” as well as schools with vaccine or mask requirements.

From Salon

“Her comedic beats were on point,” said Sahar, also a transgender woman of color known for her performance as Lulu Abundance in the award-winning FX series “Pose.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Vatican has blocked discussions over women’s rights at the UN climate summit following a row over gay and transgender issues, sources have told BBC News.

From BBC

“I have a student who’s transgender and a couple of students who are gay. Their emotional state was so closed down.”

From Los Angeles Times