transgender
transgender
Pronunciation
transgender (tranˈsgɛndər / trɑnsˈdʒɛn.dər)
tran (træn)
/tr/ - voiceless alveolar trill (similar to the "tr" in "truck")
/æn/ - short open front unrounded vowel (like the "a" in "cat")
s (s) - voiceless alveolar fricative (like the "s" in "sip")
gen (dʒɛn)
/dʒ/ - voiced postalveolar affricate (like the "j" in "jump")
/ɛ/ - mid central open vowel (like the "e" in "bet")
/n/ - voiced alveolar nasal (like the "n" in "sip")
der (dər)
Word Form Variations
The term "transgender" itself functions as all its various word forms. Here's the breakdown:
Singular: transgender (refers to one person)
Plural: transgender (refers to multiple people)
Possessive: transgender's (singular possession) - "The transgender's identity"
Possessive (plural): transgenders' (plural possession) - "The transgenders' rights"
Adjective: transgender (describes a noun) - "a transgender person"
Note: There isn't a separate form for past tense (e.g., transgendered) or past participle (e.g., been transgendered). "Transgender" remains the same across these contexts.
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: A person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Synonyms: Trans person
Antonyms: None (Note: "Cisgender" is not the opposite of transgender, but rather describes someone whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex at birth)
Adjective:
Definition: Describing a person whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Synonyms: Trans
Antonyms: None (See note above for noun)
Examples:
Noun: "She is a transgender woman who advocates for LGBTQ+ rights."
Adjective: "The transgender community faces many challenges in today's society."
Not a Verb or Adverb:
"Transgender" is not typically used as a verb or adverb.
Examples of Use
Books:
"Felix Ever After" by Kacen Callender (Young Adult novel featuring a transgender protagonist)
Newspapers:
The New York Times: "Judge Blocks Arkansas Law Banning Transgender Girls from School Sports" (April 20, 2022)
Online Publications:
National Center for Transgender Equality: (Website dedicated to transgender advocacy)
Entertainment Mediums:
"Pose" (FX television series): One of the first mainstream shows to feature a large transgender cast and storylines.
Platforms:
Social Media: Many transgender people use social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share their experiences and connect with others. (e.g., hashtags like #TransIsBeautiful)
General Public Discourse:
Identity Politics: Discussions about transgender rights and inclusion are a growing part of public discourse.
Additionally:
Government Documents: Many countries are updating legal documents to recognize transgender identities, including passports and driver's licences.
Workplace Policies: Companies are increasingly creating policies to be more inclusive of transgender employees.
These are just a few examples, and the use of "transgender" continues to grow as awareness and understanding of transgender identities increases.
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Transgender
While there aren't many famous quotes that explicitly use the word "transgender" due to the term's evolving usage over time, here are ten quotes that centre on the transgender experience and the fight for equality:
“We have to be visible. We are not ashamed of who we are.” - Laverne Cox, Actress and LGBTQ Advocate
“Despite the constant hatred we face as the LGBTQ+ community, we must stand united and strong in spreading our message of love.” - Jazz Jennings, Transgender Activist
“I think trans women, and trans people in general, show everyone that you can define what it means to be a man or woman on your own terms.” - Janet Mock, Author and Activist
“Being transgender is not about surgery. It’s not about hormones. It’s about living your truth.” - Chaz Bono, Musician and Advocate
“The struggle isn’t just about being straight or gay or transgender - it’s a human struggle. That’s always really been my kind of starting point: If you’re out there and you’re odd, come over to my house.” - John Green, Author
“Our identities are not up for debate.” - Janet Mock, Author and Activist
“Transgender people are extraordinary, strong, intelligent, persistent and resilient. ... We will not stand for the picking and choosing of rights.” - Cecilia Chung, Transgender Activist
“I want to make a difference in the world by speaking out and spreading hopeful messages.” - Rebekah Bruesehoff, Transgender Activist
“The best thing about being a girl is, now I don’t have to pretend to be a boy.” – Avery Jackson, Transgender Youth Activist
“Trans people deserve to live with dignity and respect. And to access the same opportunities as everyone else.” – Chelsea Clinton, Activist
Etymology
The word "transgender" is pretty new! It wasn't around until around the 1970s.
Building Blocks:
Trans- This part comes from another word meaning "across" or "beyond."
Gender This refers to a person's sense of being male, female, or something else.
First Uses:
The exact first use is a bit debated, but it showed up around the 1970s. Back then, it could describe a man who seemed more feminine or a woman who seemed more masculine.
Over time, the meaning became more specific. Today, it describes someone whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Not a Transformation:
It's important to note that "transgender" doesn't mean someone is changing their gender. It means their inner sense of gender doesn't match the sex they were assigned at birth.
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Transgender
Unlike many common words, "transgender" itself isn't typically used in idioms or phrases with special meanings. However, here are some common phrases you might encounter that include "transgender":
Transgender person: This is commonly accepted as the most straightforward and respectful way to refer to someone who is transgender.
Transgender identity: This describes a person's inner sense of being male, female, or something else, which differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Transgender rights: This refers to the fight for equal rights and opportunities for transgender people.
Come out as transgender: This describes the process of someone publicly sharing their transgender identity.
Transgender community: This refers to the group of people who identify as transgender.
Transgender experience: This acknowledges the unique challenges and experiences that transgender people face.
Additionally:
Trans (pronounced "trans-star")* is sometimes used as a more inclusive term to encompass various identities beyond transgender.
Gender dysphoria is the distress a person may feel when their gender identity doesn't match their assigned sex at birth. However, not all transgender people experience dysphoria.
Posts Related to Transgender
Source Information
Definition of transgender from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.