Transgender and lesbian

While transgendered individuals are now often lumped in with gay folk under the “LGBT” umbrella (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender), there are certain differences in experience that are crucial to understand. Historically the G&L community was accepting of transgender folk, and over the years became more inclusive of them, but there are important differences.

• Transgendered Individuals (and I’m speaking of mostly, but not exclusively of transsexuals here) experience gender dysphoria, whereas gays and lesbians accomplish not.
• Transgendered Individuals have to hop through many “hoops” in arrange to transition, whereas gay folk just “come out”. Coming out is also part of the T. experience, but there are many more steps involved to transition. Transgendered Individuals deal with body dysphoria, as well as social acceptance isues.
• Transgendered Individuals leverage medical services much more. Transitioned folk need hormones, surgeries, voice, facial hair, therapy, etc..
• The sexuality of a Transgendered Individual might be “straight”. If a transman is attracted to women, then he’s straight, if a transwoman is attracted

  Glossary of Terms: LGBTQ

  Definitions were drafted in collaboration with other U.S.-based LGBTQ people organizations and leaders. See acknowledgements section.

  Additional terms and definitions about gender identity and gender expression, transgender people, and nonbinary people are available in the Transgender Glossary. 

  Are we missing a term or is a definition outdated? Email press@glaad.org

  *NOTE:  Inquire people what terms they use to describe their sexual orientation, gender self and gender verbalization before assigning them a label. Outside of acronyms, these terms should only be capitalized when used at the beginning of a sentence.
   

  LGBTQ
  Acronym for lesbian, lgbtq+, bisexual, transgender, and queer. The Q generally stands for queer when LGBTQ organizations, leaders, and media use the acronym. In settings offering support for youth, it can also stand for questioning. LGBT and LGBTQ+ are also used, with the + added in recognition of all non-straight, non-cisgender identities. (See Transgender Glossary ) Both are acceptable, as are other versions of this acronym. The term “gay community” should be avoided, as it does not accuratel
  

  LGBTQIA Resource Center Glossary

  GLOSSARY

  The terms and definitions below are always evolving, switching and often mean diverse things to different people. They are provided below as a starting aim for discussion and comprehending. This Glossary has been collectively built and created by the staff members of the LGBTQIA Resource Center since the soon 2000s.

  These are not universal definitions. This glossary is provided to help grant others a more thorough but not entirely comprehensive understanding of the significance of these terms. You may even consider asking someone what they imply when they use a term, especially when they use it to outline their identity. Ultimately it is most important that each individual define themselves for themselves and therefore also define a legal title for themselves.

   

  “If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.” -Audre Lorde

  This glossary contains terms, such as ableism and disability, that may not be considered directly related to identities of sexuality or gender. These terms are significant to acknowledge as part of our mission to challenge all forms of oppress