Transgender

An umbrella term used to describe all those whose gender identity is at odds with their biological sex.  This includes Transsexuals and Crossdressers.

A person who has an inescapable emotional need to express their alternate gender identity and be accepted in that role on a less permanent basis.  Many crossdressers go on to transition to their self-identified gender.

Person who identifies as a member of the ‘opposite’ sex, i.e. other than their birth sex.  Transsexuals usually seek hormone therapy and often surgery to bring their body into line with their gender identity. 

The gender that a person believes themselves to be, regardless of their biological sex.

Biological sex.  (Physical attribute)

Male-to-female, usually refers to a transsexual. 

Female-to-male, usually refers to a transsexual. 

The process of hormonally reassigning a person’s biochemistry to match their gender identity.

A surgical procedure whereby the sex organs of a person are refashioned to that of the gender in which they identify.  Also known as sex reassignment surgery (SRS) or Genital Reconstructive Surgery (GCS). 

Also known as Gender Dysphoria.  This is a medical condition, believed to be of biological origin, which results in a mismatch between the gender a person believes themselves to be (Gender Identity) and the physical sex of their body.

Person who does not want to have genital reassignment surgery or can’t for medical, financial or other reasons.^{* #}

Person who has not had genital reassignment surgery.^{* #}

Person who has had genital reassignment surgery.^*

Person whose gender identity is not exclusively male or female and who may or may not have an intersex condition. 

Person who does not exclusively identify as male or female, irrespective of physical sex.  (Not to be confused with bisexuality – refer definition of sexual orientation).

Intersex

A long-established medical (genetic) condition where an infant is born with reproductive organs and/or sex chromosomes that are not exclusively male or female.  (Current word for "hermaphrodite").  See AISSGA for more information.

This is a less favoured term due to the links to fetishism and sexual arousal which are not gender identity issues.  Usually refers to men who dress up for sexual pleasure.

Men who wear a usually exaggerated form of female clothing for entertainment.

Women who wear a usually exaggerated form of male clothing for entertainment.