Transgenderism: What It Is and What It Isn't

We live in a society where identity is often misunderstood, but the topic most misrepresented is transgenderism. To help others to understand, we need to have clarity – grounded in truth, compassion, and lived experience.

What it is:

Transgenderism refers to the experience of identifying with a gender other than the one commonly associated with ones sex, or both... or absolutely none at all. This isn't a phase, trend, or pathology. It's a deeply rooted aspect of human identity that has existed across many cultures for centuries.

At its core, transgenderism is about gender identity – a person's internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere along the gender spectrum. For transgender individuals, this identity doesn't align with the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, someone assigned male at birth may identify as female, and vice-versa.

Transgenderism is not limited to binary transitions. Some people identify as non-binary, gender-fluid, or agender, expressing gender in ways that transcend traditional categories. These identities are valid and reflect the rich diversity of human experience.

It's important to mention that being transgender is not the same as sexual orientation. A trans person can be straight, gay, bisexual, asexual, or any other orientation. Gender identity is about who you are. Sexuality is about who you're attracted to.

For many, transitioning – whether socially, medically, or legally – is a way to align their external life with their internal truth. This might include changing names, pronouns, clothing, or undergoing hormone replacement therapy, or surgeries. But, not all trans people choose or can access these steps, and that doesn't make their identity any less real.

What it isn't:

Transgenderism isn't a mental illness. While some transgender individuals experience gender dysphoria – a distress caused by the mis-match between gender identity and assigned sex – being transgender itself is not pathological. In fact, major medical and psychological organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the American Medical Association, and the World Health Organization, affirm that being transgender is a natural variation of human identity.

It is also not a new phenomenon. Trans identities have existed throughout history and across cultures – from the Hijra of south Asia to the two-spirit people of many indigenous North American tribes. What's new is the growing visibility and the language we now have to describe these experiences.

Transgenderism isn't about deception. Trans people are not pretending, or trying to trick anyone. They are living authentically, often in the face of misunderstanding, discrimination, and danger. Their courage isn't a threat – it's a testament to the human spirit.

And, finally, transgenderism isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. Each transgender person's experience is unique. Some are out and proud; others are private. Some transition medically; others do not. What unites them is the pursuit of living as their true selves.

In closing:

Understanding transgenderism means listening, learning, and letting go of assumptions. It means recognizing that identity is not always visible – and that every person deserves the dignity of being seen for who they are.