Transgender
An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. The term may include but is not limited to transsexuals, cross-dressers, and other gender-variant people. Transgender people may identify as female-to-male (FTM) or male-to-female (MTF). Use the descriptive term (transgender, transsexual, cross-dresser, FTM, or MTF) preferred by the individual. Transgender people may or may not choose to alter their bodies hormonally and/or surgically.
Transsexual (also transexual)
An older term that originated in the medical and psychological communities. Many transgender people prefer the term transgender to transsexual. Some transsexual people still prefer to use the term to describe themselves. However, unlike transgender, transsexual is not an umbrella term, and many transgender people do not identify themselves as transsexual. It is best to ask which term an individual prefers.
Transvestite
Derogatory. See cross-dressing
Transition
Altering one’s birth sex is not a one-step procedure; it is a complex process that occurs over a long period. Transition includes some or all of the following cultural, legal, and medical adjustments: telling one’s family, friends, and/or coworkers; changing one’s name and/or sex on legal documents; hormone therapy; and possibly (though not always) some form of surgical alteration.
Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS)
Refers to surgical alteration and is only one part of transition (see transition above). Preferred term to sex change operation. Not all transgender people choose to or can afford to have SRS. Journalists should avoid overemphasizing the importance of SRS to the transition process.
Cross-Dressing
Occasionally wearing clothes traditionally associated with people of the other sex. Cross-dressers are usually comfortable with the sex they were assigned at birth and do not wish to change it. Cross-dresser should NOT be used to describe someone who has transitioned to live full-time as the other sex or who intends to do so in the future. Cross-dressing is a form of gender expression and is not necessarily tied to erotic activity. Cross-dressing is not indicative of sexual orientation.
Gender Identity Disorder (GID)
A controversial DSM-IV diagnosis given to transgender and other gender-variant people. Because it labels people as “disordered,” the diagnosis of gender identity disorder is often considered offensive. The diagnosis is frequently given to children who don’t conform to expected gender norms in terms of dress, play, or behavior. Such children are often subjected to intense psychotherapy, behavior modification, and/or institutionalization. Replaces the outdated term gender dysphoria.
Intersex
Describes a person whose biological sex is ambiguous. There are many genetic, hormonal, and anatomical variations that make a person’s sex ambiguous (such as Klinefelter syndrome and adrenal hyperplasia). Parents and medical professionals usually assign intersex infants a sex and perform surgical operations to conform the infant’s body to that assignment. This practice has become increasingly controversial as intersex adults are speaking out against the practice, accusing doctors of genital mutilation.