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  • Word comparison: transgender vs. transsexual

transgender vs. transsexual

transgender and transsexual: How the Use and Meanings of the Terms Differ

A transgender person has a gender identity that does not correspond to the sex they were assigned at birth. The term transsexual is now considered mostly outdated and often offensive, though some people identify in this way. It was historically used in reference to a person who received treatment or surgery to attain the physical characteristics of a different sex. Some transgender people may undergo such treatment, but transgender identity is not based on physical traits.

transgender

adjective

  1. noting or relating to a person whose gender identity does not correspond to that person’s sex assigned at birth: She identifies as transgender.

    The organization supports transgender rights.

    She identifies as transgender.

  2. noting or relating to a person who does not conform to societal gender norms or roles.

noun

  1. Usually Offensive. a person who is transgender.

transsexual

noun

  1. a person whose gender identity does not correspond to their sex assigned at birth; transgender.
  2. a person who has undergone or wants to undergo hormone therapy or surgery to align their physical characteristics more closely with their gender identity.

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a person whose gender identity does not correspond to their sex assigned at birth.