AFAB Assigned female at birth
AMAB Assigned male at birth
Affirmed Gender Identity The gender that a person feels they are
Assigned Sex The sex given to a person at birth, usually based on the genitalia they have

Cross dresser / Transvestite A person who temporarily wears and/or takes on the characteristics associated with a gender different to that assigned at birth

Gender Affirmation or Reassignment Surgery Refers to surgical alteration, often meaning lower surgery, but can refer to any surgery

Gender Binary The idea that there are only two genders – male and female
Gender Dysphoria Where a person experiences discomfort or distress due to a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity

Gender Identity A person’s internal sense of the gender they are, e.g. woman, man, non-
binary, fluid etc.

Intersex A person who is born with sex characteristics that are not easily classified as what is considered clearly male or female. This could be visually obvious such as genitalia or on a chromosomal/hormonal level. There are
many different forms of intersex.

Non-Binary A person who feels the gender binary of man or woman doesn’t fit their gender identity, often preferring gender neutral pronouns such as ‘they’ or ‘them’. There are many terms for someone who feels like this and it is down to personal preference, e.g. genderqueer, gender-fluid, bi-gender, poly- gender

Sexual Orientation Who a person is attracted to – can be romantic, sexual or intimate
attractions. This is separate from a person's gender identity.

Trans/Transgender An umbrella term for the whole spectrum of people whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth. This can include any and more of the identities listed. The term is often shortened to ‘transgender’ which is more popularly used, or may be replaced by gender variant.

Transition The process of changing to live life in the affirmed gender role. This is not a simple step but a complex procedure that can involve many different elements such as medical, legal and social changes.

Transsexual A person who feels that the sex assigned at birth does not fit with their internal gender identity and will transition from the sex they were assigned at birth to another (or part way to another). It usually means someone who has medical intervention such as hormones or surgery.

Trans woman (MtF) A person who was assigned male at birth & identifies as female or feminine.

Trans man (FtM) A person who was assigned female at birth & identifies as male or masculine.