: "Transgender" (or "trans") is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity—their internal sense of being male, female, or another gender—differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
: Transgender people come from all racial, ethnic, and faith backgrounds. This intersectionality means that trans culture is often shaped by other aspects of a person’s identity. Being an Ally
: Many North American Indigenous groups have long recognized fluid or third-gender roles, such as the Navajo nádleehi .
: Traditional roles for transgender men and women have been documented in several African cultures since pre-colonial times. Culture and Community Building
Transgender and gender-expansive identities are not modern inventions; they have existed across various cultures for centuries:
The transgender community has fostered a unique culture centered on self-expression and mutual support:
Supporting the transgender community involves active learning and advocacy. The Human Rights Campaign suggests several steps for allies: