An umbrella term for people whose gender identity or expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth .
Individuals who do not identify exclusively as a man or a woman. They may identify as both, neither, or a different gender entirely .
Identity is one's internal sense of self (e.g., man, woman, non-binary), while expression is how one presents that identity to the world through clothing, behavior, and voice .
A culture-specific term used by some Indigenous North Americans to describe those who embody both masculine and feminine spirits . 2. LGBTQ+ Cultural Milestones
A person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth .
The process of aligning one's life and/or body with their gender identity. This can be social (name/pronouns), legal (documents), or medical (hormones/surgery) .
Understanding the distinction between gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation is fundamental to navigating LGBTQ+ culture .
The transgender community and LGBTQ+ culture encompass a rich history of shared experiences, values, and diverse identities . This guide provides an overview of essential terminology, cultural milestones, and current challenges. 1. Key Concepts and Terminology