Glossary
Respectful vocabulary for TS Lovers — the words that matter, used correctly, so admiration never turns into awkwardness.
An umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Identity, not orientation: trans women are women, trans men are men — who they're attracted to is a separate matter.
A woman who was assigned male at birth. She is a woman, full stop — 'trans' is an adjective she may or may not choose to emphasise.
A man who was assigned female at birth. Same principle: he's a man; the medical history is his business, not an introduction topic.
Someone whose gender identity matches their assigned sex. Not a slur, just Latin for 'on this side of' — the neutral counterpart to transgender.
People whose gender identity isn't exclusively man or woman. Some use they/them pronouns; asking politely what someone uses is always better than assuming.
Wearing clothing traditionally associated with another gender, for expression, comfort or pleasure. Distinct from being trans: many crossdressers identify fully with their assigned gender.
Community shorthand for a trans woman. Widely used inside the community; fine in a profile context, but follow her lead — when in doubt, 'trans woman' is always respectful.
The process of aligning life and body with one's gender identity — social (name, pronouns, presentation), medical (hormones, surgery), or both. Depth and pace are personal choices, not public property.
Being perceived by others as the gender you identify with. Some pursue it, some don't, some can't afford it — never comment on how well someone 'passes'; it's their life, not a rating.
Referring to someone with the wrong pronouns or gendered terms. Accidents happen: correct yourself briefly, apologise once, move on. Repeating it after being told is simply disrespect.
Someone who fetishises trans people as objects rather than seeing them as partners. Recognisable by interest in the trans status and nothing else. Don't be one — interest in a person includes her humour, her week, her opinions.
Using a trans person's pre-transition name. Always use the current name — in person, in stories, everywhere. The old one is history, not gossip.
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