What does “trans” mean?

Trans is an abbreviation of transgender. Trans people have a way of expressing themselves, a way of describing their gender, or an identity (knowing who you are) that doesn’t fit society’s rules about women and men. Trans can include:

• People who identify as having more than one gender
• People who identify as gender-neutral
• People who don’t identify with any gender labels
• People whose gender identity doesn’t match their body (e.g., someone with a male body who identifies as a girl)
• People who have changed their bodies to better match their gender identity (e.g., someone born female who uses hormones/surgery to make their body look more masculine)
• Men who like to wear women’s clothes, and women who like to wear men’s clothes
• Anyone else who feels the word “trans” fits for them

 

Being trans is a normal part of human diversity. In some cultures and times trans people were seen as sacred and special while in others, trans people have been hated or feared. Being trans is considered normal and is no big deal in some cultures.

No matter how you express, identify, or describe your gender, whether you are trans is entirely up to you. If you feel a sense of kinship with the trans community or feel that you are trans, you have the right to identify this way. If you don’t feel the word “trans” fits for you, that’s fine too.

How do I know if I’m trans?

Some trans people say they always knew. For other people it’s more of a gradual process, having feelings that come and go over time or that get increasingly strong as they get older. Lots of trans people describe this as just being themselves and not knowing there was a word for it.

Being trans isn’t about whether other people think you look or act masculine or feminine – being trans is about how you feel about yourself. Some masculine women and feminine men identify as trans, and some don’t.

Being trans is about your gender (how you feel about and express yourself as a man, woman, bi-gender person, androgynous person, etc.). Being lesbian/gay/bisexual is about who you are sexually attracted to. Some trans people identify as heterosexual, while others identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual.

What if I’m not sure if I’m trans or not sure what I want to do about it?

Having doubts and questions is a normal part of figuring out who you are and how you want to express yourself. It’s important that you feel okay with taking as much time as you need to explore options, without any pressure to identify or live in any particular way. The only right answer for what you need and who you are comes from what feels right within yourself. Everyone’s path is different in coming to that right place.

If you are questioning your gender identity or do identify as trans, feel welcome to connect with any of the Gab Youth staff and we can meet with you one-on-one and connect you with resources that can help you. As well, you can check out Vancouver Coastal Health’s Transgender Health Program (check out their online resource library for tons of downloadable brochures!).

(adapted from Vancouver Coastal Health)