Transgender People
Transgender identities are in the news a lot lately. Learn about transgender identities and what scientists have to say about their origins.
Dee
Who is Dee?
Hi! I’m here to help you explore what it means to be transgender. There’s a lot of attention, confusion and questions around this topic these days, so let’s start with the basics: ‘Transgender’ is not a sexual orientation. It’s about the intersection of gender identity (our core sense of who we are), gender expression (how we show up in the world) and biological sex (the physical parts we’re born with). Come on, let’s dive in…
The Basics
Explore what it means to be transgender.
Terms to know
There's a lot of terminology around transgender identities. Here's a quick introduction to terms you'll want to know.
Transgender and nonbinary FAQs
The HRC Foundation answers frequently asked questions about transgender and nonbinary persons.
U.S. Transgender Survey
More than 92,000 transgender people share their life experiences in a nationwide survey.
Standing up for a vulnerable minority
The stakes are high in attacks on transgender persons in the U.S. Fact-based education is key to fighting back.
A plot twist
Gopher was in for a surprise when his former college roommate came on board The Love Boat.
Real people
Transgender people discuss their identities and experiences.
"I was worried that you liked me as a girl"
Listen to a conversation between Gabe, a young transgender boy, and his mom, Chris Lopez.
“Why did God make me wrong?”
Learn about Jacob and his family's journey from confusion to acceptance.
"It's just how you really are inside"
Watch this update for the latest on Jacob and his family's story.
“I watched her die inside”
When DeShanna Neal’s son began to dress and act like a girl, she saw the impact of societal shunning firsthand: “I watched her die inside.”
"I had to do something"
Ryland Whittington knew he was a boy. The question was, would other people accept that?
"It was like a weight off my shoulders"
Watch to learn why Kaleb's mom considers him to be "one of the bravest people" she knows.
Growing up transgender and Mormon
“I had this fantasy . . . that a fairy godmother would come and turn me into a girl and make everything better.”
"I went as macho as I could be"
Alexis grew up in the 1960's in a housing project. Being open about her transgender identity was not an option.
The life journey of a Black trans woman
"There’s a teenaged girl I didn’t quite get to be and I’ve built the life she would have wanted.”
"We're the front-liners"
Sylvia Rivera was a tireless advocate for transgender people and the larger LGBTQ+ community, yet few people have heard of her. Learn about her struggles and accomplishments.
"True to Himself"
Read about the first openly transgender swimmer in NCAA Division I athletics.
"You are my sister"
Two transgender veterans share their story of friendship and unconditional love.
"Ex-GI Becomes Blonde Beauty"
Christine Jorgensen gained fame as a transgender woman at a time when most members of the LGBTQ+ community were attacked and vilified.
Experiences, Challenges and Hopes
Explore the experiences, challenges and hopes of transgender and nonbinary persons in a report based on focus groups held by the Pew Research Center.
Being an authentic ally
She was a passive ally. Then, her husband revealed he was transgender.
Creating an inclusive workplace
Learn about some practical ways to be supportive of transgender persons in the workplace.
Just one ounce of grace
A Texas mom describes the difference gender affirming care has made in her child's life--and her fears of what will happen if young people suddenly lose access to the services they need.
Gender refugees
A Texas family faces a heartbreaking choice: place their daughter at risk or leave a community they love.
Double Jeopardy
Transgender women of color face distinct challenges
Killed for being transgender
Learn why the American Medical Association is warning of an “epidemic” of violence against transgender persons, with transgender women of color the most frequent victims.
Transitioning
What does it mean for a person to transition or affirm their identity? This section covers the essentials.
Making the decision to transition
Decisions around transitioning are highly personal and vary from one individual to the next.
The different approaches to transitioning
Transitioning doesn’t always involve surgery.
No more 'watchful waiting'
Read why the American Academy of Pediatrics advocates a gender-affirming approach in caring for transgender and gender-diverse youth.
Sorting out the facts
Get the facts on gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
Standards of Care
Learn about the Standards of Care issued by World Professional Association for Transgender Health.
The Science
Scientists are researching the biological basis of transgender identities.
Understanding our brain
Neuroscientists are comparing brain structure and function in transgender and cisgender persons with notable results.
How transgender research is changing science
As transgender awareness grows in society, science is catching up. Find out what’s being done to close that gap and what we’ve learned so far.
Can sports be fair?
Can science help to resolve debates around transgender and intersex athletes?
The Stats
How many people are transgender? It might be more than you think.
Transgender population in the US
Explore the state-by-state data on the distribution of transgender people by age across the U.S.
In harm's way
Laws targeting transgender people have caused an increase in suicide attempts by transgender and nonbinary young people.