A transgender individual identifies with a specific gender or sex, different from the one they were assigned at birth. Transgender people are physically one gender; however, they know that they belong to the opposite sex, effectively a man trapped in a woman’s body or vice versa. Transgender individuals will often undergo transitioning surgery to change their appearance and anatomy to ultimately change their outward appearance to reflect their true inner self. Trans or Transgender is an umbrella term for the process of transition, with the word transexual typically used with a person who has undergone reassignment surgery or hormone replacement therapy. It is important to note that transgender people will define their gender as male or female rather than trans. The terms FTM or AFAB are abbreviations for a female at birth or assigned female at birth. Alternatively, MTF or AMAB are abbreviations for a male at birth or assigned male at birth
TAKE PRIDE IN BEING YOU
You should never be told or feel that being different is wrong. It does not matter if you are straight, gay, or other non-traditional sexual or gender identities. You are you, especially when it is who you are and something you are powerless to change. The Pride in Series is designed to help everyone take pride in; however, they choose to identify, even if that is traditional and cis-gendered identities. Learn more about the various sexualities, gender identities and special groups and let us all be proud of who we are
DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE AVALIABLE
Want to go offline and take some time to learn more about the various identities that make up the LGBTQIA+ community? In addition to the online Gayther Pride in Series, you can now download and print the collection. Downloadable PDFs designed to help you discover more about the various unique sexualities, gender identities, and special groups. The colourful and informative guides help you understand more with fun and engaging information and also include games and interactive content
"Remember this; whoever you are; however, you are, you are equally valid, equally justified, and equally beautiful."
A transgender individual identifies with a specific gender or sex, different from the one they were assigned at birth. Transgender people are physically one gender; however, they know that they belong to the opposite sex, effectively a man trapped in a woman’s body or vice versa. Transgender individuals will often undergo transitioning surgery to change their appearance and anatomy to ultimately change their outward appearance to reflect their true inner self. Trans or Transgender is an umbrella term for the process of transition, with the word transexual typically used with a person who has undergone reassignment surgery or hormone replacement therapy. It is important to note that transgender people will define their gender as male or female rather than trans. The terms FTM or AFAB are abbreviations for a female at birth or assigned female at birth. Alternatively, MTF or AMAB are abbreviations for a male at birth or assigned male at birth.
Other associated gender identities:
SUMMARY
Other associated gender identities:
- Trans* or Trans+ (pronounced – tranz-as-tuh-risk or pluhs | trænz ˈæs tə rɪsk or plʌs) are two umbrella terms that refer to the range of identities inside and outside of the gender spectrum
SUMMARY
- An individual who identifies with a gender or sex which is different from the one they were assigned at birth
- Transgender or Trans is an umbrella term
- The term transexual typically refers to an individual that has undergone sexual reassignment surgery or hormone replacement therapy
- It is believed that less than 0.3% of the world’s population identifies as transgender
- Transgender history dates as far back as the 3rd millennium BC, when transgender Gala priests were mentioned in Sumerian and Akkadian texts
- The Roman emperor Elagabalus, who died in 222AD, is considered one of the earliest recorded transgender individuals
- 98 or 42% of all countries around the world have some form of laws in place relating to gender identity or expression
- Bangladesh and India are the only two countries around the world that have a third gender option, known as hijra, besides male and female is available
Exceptional and diverse
Discover more about the diverse and extraordinary global LGBTQIA+ community. Find interesting facts, enjoy engaging interactive games, learn about pioneering advocates, and take pride in all sexualities, gender identities, and special groups. Explore everything LGBTQIA+ with Gayther today.
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Explore the world
Travelling is one of the most popular hobbies and interests around the world. Exploring new places, cultures, and experiences is both exciting and rewarding. For most people, knowing the best time to visit and basic travel details is enough; however, for the LGBTQIA+ community, further research is necessary. The Gayther Travel guides cover hundreds of countries and regions, providing essential travel information, useful terms in local languages, and important health advice, including details on how each country treats members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Discover Gayther guides today.
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Community rights and protections
Each year, learn how different countries and regions around the world treat members of the LGBTQIA+ community. From the status and laws of same-sex marriages to gender identity recognition, this easy-to-use equality index offers a score and breakdown for every country globally.
Myths, Molecules, Meaning: The Science of Sexual Orientation
July 1, 2026
Scientific research in genetics, neuroscience, psychology, and anthropology has significantly transformed our understanding of LGBTQIA+ identities. Research has established that there is no single “gay” or “transgender” gene; instead, evidence points to a complex mix of biological, developmental, and environmental influences, showing that these variations are natural parts of human diversity. Variations in LGBTQIA+ identities have been observed across cultures and throughout the animal kingdom, suggesting they have long existed and are a normal aspect of life. Explore the history, science, and evolving research behind sexuality and gender identity, and how understanding in this field has changed more in the last century than in the thousands of years that preceded it.
Why transgender people should compete in professional sport
June 9, 2022
Why transgender people should compete in professional sports, understand why it is important and why other athletes have nothing to fear. Whether headlines of gender-specific bathrooms or participation in professional sporting competitions, the transgender community is often the target of media campaigns: articles, stories, and conversations designed to make them feel different and less accepted. Do a person’s gender and anatomic makeup at birth give them an advantage in the modern sporting world? Or is it ill-informed people using the opportunity to polarise opinions by highlighting complex subjects in a very public and negative way?
Connect with the community
Gayther Affinity is a private platform for the global LGBTQIA+ community. A space that gives you the freedom to be yourself. Helping you communicate with and connect to people similar to yourself. People from around the world from all age groups and backgrounds. Signup for your free Affinity account today
Legal recognition of
Gender dysphoria affects many individuals each year. Many feel trapped in the wrong body and seek to alter their appearance to reflect their true self. For those progressing through their transition, it is often a challenging and lengthy journey, but it is ultimately rewarding when they express their authentic identity. Learn more about different countries around the world and the legal status, recognition, and support for gender identities.
Peggie Ames | American Transgender Activist
Elagabalus | Italian Roman emperor characterized as transgender
Lucy Hicks Anderson | African-American Transgender person
Alan L. Hart | American Physician, Researcher, Writer
Harry Allen | American Pacific Northwest Transgender man
Endry Cardeño | Colombian Actress
Eddie Izzard | British Comedian, Actor, Writer, Political Activist
Alicia Liu | Taiwanese Model, Television Personality
May Simón Lifschitz | Argentinian-Danish Actress, Model
Yasmin Lee | Thai Actress, Adult Entertainer
All of the people featured within the list are based on those who have shown support in the past or have publicly identified with a specific sexuality, gender identity, or cause. These individuals are featured because they are positive role models for the community and help others come to terms and identify with how they are thinking and feeling. How we identify is personal to us and being featured on this list is by no means meant to out or cause offence. Instead, highlighting exceptional individuals directly linked to the community
Extraordinary people
Over the past 50 years, the LGBTQIA+ global community has seen many positive developments, with rights and protections for its members greatly enhanced. These changes are a direct result of the extraordinary individuals who have stood up, often at considerable personal risk, to advocate for and defend community rights. Discover more about some of these remarkable individuals today.
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Find inclusive businesses and services
The Gayther platform features seven inclusive and interactive directories, from detailed weather updates to listing services that showcase the inclusivity of businesses, services, and events for the global LGBTQIA+ community. Learn more about each directory and how they can help you find what you need. Discover more about Gayther today.
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information displayed on this page is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute advice. It is essential that before travelling that you independently establish information relating specifically to your requirements and circumstances. Though we endeavour to keep all information across the site updated, we do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of any information displayed. The languages and terms featured on this page are literal translations and have not been validated or verified. The service is provided free of charge, and by using it, you accept that you are doing so at your own risk. This page may contain external links to third party websites; Gayther provides these links for your convenience and does not endorse, warrant or recommend any particular products or services. By clicking on any external links, you will leave Gayther and be taken to the third-party website, which you do so at your own risk and by accessing the site, you will be required to comply with the external third party’s terms and conditions of use and privacy policies
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