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In the simplest terms, transgender means not aligning with the sex assigned to you at birth. Some people may choose to take medical steps to feel more aligned with their gender identity or they may not, but medical and/or surgical intervention does not define if someone is transgender.
Non-binary means to be outside the gender binary. Some people who are non-binary may feel more strongly towards one gender or the other but not identify 100% with that gender, while others may feel they have no gender at all. To break it down to a very simple analogy-if most people are either yellow or blue, non binary people are shades of green. Some may be darker green, others lighter green, but all exist in that spectrum.
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“Cis” is latin for “on this side”, while trans is latin for “on the other side of”. Therefore, cisgender means your gender identity and biological sex assigned at birth are in alignment, while transgender means you identify as a gender that is not aligned with the sex assigned to you at birth. Cisgender is an antonym of transgender.
Gender identity has no correlation with sexual preference. Transgender and non binary people especially range in differences in sexual attraction. A transgender woman is just as likely to be a lesbian as she might be heterosexual (interested in men), it is also not uncommon for transgender/nonbinary people to be pansexual, bisexual or asexual. Just like a cis person, their gender does not imply straight or gay sexual preferences and best to not assume.
Pansexual - Attraction to people regardless of gender
Bisexual - Attraction to either men or women
Asexual - Limited to no interest in sex with any gender
No, because it’s generally considered rude to ask about what’s going on in someone’s pants regardless of their gender identity.
Gender affirming care is any care provided to a patient to remedy gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria is a feeling of disconnect between one’s gender identity and their physical body or how they are perceived in public. Different methods of care are taken based on the individual’s comfort level and doctor’s recommendations, they are very personal decisions between a patient and practitioner.
For some, gender affirming care is the freedom to dress in more comfortable clothes, consult a therapist, change name or pronouns, pursue hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and in some cases physical surgery. If surgery is desired, it is often withheld until at least the age of 18 and any form of medical care is accepted under informed consent.
It’s important to remember that gender affirming care is not unique to transgender people. Cis people often will receive medical care to feel more affirmed in their own bodies, like breast augmentation surgery, hormone therapy, hair removal and more.
You can comfort them and let them know you will be accepting. Of course, this ranges based off the individual, but it’s best to limit your assumptions and let them speak for themselves. Be opened minded and listen honestly. Remember, this is about them and they are being bold enough to share a deep truth and you should avoid assumptions. Considerate ask what pronouns they would feel comfortable with, if they’re considering going by a new name or if they’d appreciate any help in exploring their identity safely. Please note that if someone comes out to you and shares private information, it is strictly confidential unless they say otherwise.
An ally is not just supportive but active. To be an ally is to counter negative and hateful rhetoric when presented by such and to defend those you wish to help. You can help to educate other people, help ensure your transgender/non binary friends are safe and comfortable, and be open to fighting alongside them for rights and protections..
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