our mission

about us

transgender 
terminology

transgender
 links

home

Some transgender terminology

Transgender:

A broad term used to encompass all manifestations of crossing gender barriers.  It includes all who crossdress or otherwise transgress gender norms and all those who consider their gender to be different from their anatomy.  The Minnesota Human Rights Act includes transgendered people and defines them as "having or being perceived as having a self-image or identity not traditionally associated with one's biological maleness or femaleness."

Crossdresser:

The preferred term for one who enjoys dressing as their opposite gender; a part-time activity which can involve a degress of exploration into gender identity.  Although some women do crossdress, the phenomenon is more common in the male population.  Most crossdressers are heterosexual and have no intention of changing their sex by operations or hormones.

Transsexual:

One who feels their anatomy is inconsistent with their gender identity and should be altered to correspond with their dominate gender and who may seek medical intervention such as hormone treatment and surgery.  F to M or M to F are abbreviations used to describe female-tomale or male-to-female transsexuals.

Drag Queen/King:

A man or woman dressed as the opposite gender, many times overdone or outrageous and may present a stereotyped image.  Often gay or lesbian.

Androgyny:

A profound blend of gender which blurs the distinction between masculine and feminine.

Intersex (Hermaphrodite):

One who is born with anatomical features of both male and female.

These pages are hosted on the website of the Pride Collective and Community Center.