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Sex usually refers to physical traits (such as chromosomes, hormones, and anatomy) and the label a baby is given at birth (for example, “male” or “female”).
Gender is a broader social and personal concept. It includes a person’s internal sense of themselves (their gender identity) and how they express that (name, pronouns, clothing, behavior). Gender can include identities like man, woman, nonbinary, genderqueer, and others, and is not limited to only two options.
Gender identity is how a person experiences their gender, usually based on their internal sense of self, while sexual orientation is about who a person is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to. Gender identity is who you are (e.g., man, woman, non-binary, etc.), and sexual orientation is who you love (e.g., heterosexual, gay, bisexual). These are two distinct and separate aspects of a person’s identity.
Gender dysphoria is a term for the distress caused by the incongruence between a person’s gender identity and the sex they were assigned at birth. People with gender dysphoria can feel like they are trapped in the wrong body. This distress can lead to significant anxiety and depression and can impact daily functioning.
Signs of gender dysphoria commonly include one or more of the following:
Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of being a man, woman, or another gender, while gender expression is how they present their gender outwardly. A person’s transgender identity is not dependent on medical procedures like hormones or surgery, though these can be part of a transition process for some.
Non-binary is an umbrella term for gender identities that are not exclusively male or female. People who are non-binary may identify as both, neither, or somewhere in between the masculine and feminine genders, or have a gender that fluctuates. This identity falls outside the gender binary system of exclusively man or woman.
Gender nonconforming is a term for people whose gender expression, or behavior, doesn’t align with societal expectations for their sex assigned at birth. This can include how someone dresses, talks, or acts, and it is not the same as being transgender, though many transgender people identify as gender nonconforming.
A transgender woman lives as a woman today, but was assigned male at birth (AMAB).
A transgender man lives as a man today, but was assigned female at birth (AFAB).
Over 2.8 million people in the U.S., aged 13 and older, identify as transgender, according to an August 2025 estimate from the Williams Institute. This represents 1.0% of the U.S. population in that age range. This figure includes over 2.1 million adults (0.8% of the adult population) and approximately 724,000 youth (3.3% of those age 13-17).
Being transgender is not a mental illness according to major medical and mental health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). It is recognized as a valid aspect of human identity and a natural variation of the human experience.
If your child comes out as transgender, the most important first steps are to listen without judgment, show unconditional love, and educate yourself. Support them by using their chosen name and pronouns and help them navigate social transitions and school environments. You should also seek support for yourself through therapy or parent groups and find affirming health care for your child if needed.
Pronouns matter because they are fundamental to a person’s identity, and respecting them is a basic way to show respect and create an inclusive environment. Using someone’s correct pronouns affirms their identity, while using the wrong ones can be invalidating, hurtful, and harmful. It is a simple way to show you care about a person’s dignity and make them feel valued and safe.
“They/them” is grammatically acceptable because it has a long history of use as a singular pronoun, especially when a person’s gender is unknown or irrelevant. It has been formally adopted by major style guides for both of these cases, as well as for referring to nonbinary individuals. Its acceptance stems from both historical usage (e.g., in the play, Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare writes, “There’s not a man I meet but doth salute me as if I were their well-acquainted friend.”) and the modern need for inclusive and gender-neutral language, even for specific individuals (e.g., you see a wallet on the ground and exclaim, “Oh! Someone dropped their wallet.”).
To support your transgender family, friends, and colleagues, use their correct name and pronouns, listen to them, and ask how you can best help without making assumptions. Even small, tangible actions help. Educate yourself about transgender identities, stand up against discrimination, and advocate for inclusivity in your personal and professional life. That signals that you are an ally, and can be easily done by including your pronouns in your email signature, and by introducing yourself with your pronouns when meeting someone in person.
Gender-affirming care is a spectrum of medical, mental health, and social services that support people in aligning their bodies and lives with their gender identity. It can include mental health counseling, hormone therapy, and sometimes surgery, and is tailored to the individual’s needs and goals.
A chest binder is a garment, typically a tank top or compression shirt, that flattens the chest to create a more masculine or streamlined appearance. Binders are used by people (e.g., transgender men) who want to minimize or conceal their chest for reasons such as gender affirmation, managing gender dysphoria, or aesthetic preference. Binders work by compressing the breast tissue against the chest. Other options, such as athletic tape or certain sports bras, can also be used for binding.
It’s important to note that people should only use properly designed binders and never use duct tape, ACE bandages, or other improvised methods, because these can restrict breathing, damage skin and ribs, and cause serious injury.
Look for a therapist with specific training and experience in working with transgender and non-binary youth, who uses inclusive language, and creates a safe, affirming space. Ask direct questions about their expertise, check their website (including reviews) for their approach to gender issues, and ensure they respect your teen’s identity, including using the correct name and pronouns.
Important steps in gender-affirming care for transgender people include social transition, therapy to navigate the process and challenges, and, for some, medical and surgical interventions under the guidance of a professional care provider. Social steps involve changing appearance and legal documents to reflect the chosen name and gender identity. Medical steps can include hormone therapy, hair removal, and surgery (top surgery, bottom surgery, facial reconstruction, etc.). However, it should be noted that a person’s transgender identity is not dependent on medical procedures like hormones or surgery.
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) is an annual observance on November 20th that mourns and honors the lives of transgender and gender nonconforming people who have been murdered as a result of anti-transgender violence. The day also serves to raise awareness about the stigma, discrimination, and violence the transgender community faces. Events often include vigils and the reading of victims’ names to memorialize their lives and call for an end to anti-transgender violence.
Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) on March 31st is an annual celebration of transgender and gender nonconforming people. It recognizes their accomplishments and contributions to society while also raising awareness of the discrimination, violence, and challenges they continue to face. The day was founded in 2009 by transgender activist Rachel Crandall to highlight the accomplishments and creativity of transgender people, rather than focusing solely on violence against them.
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