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For those new to the transgender world, there are a lot of technical terms, slang and acronyms thrown about that can be confusing, scary, or worse, misleading. This is a is a list of terms and their definitions.
Since the language around the topic is changing so rapidly, we will make every effort to update this list with the latest information available. There are several missing terms that I am working on adding, and there may yet be some glaring mistakes, as these were sourced from all over the internet. This is a work in progress!  - Alexis





Admirer
A term to describe person, who is usually a non-transgendered, that is sexually attracted to transgendered people. See also Transfan, Tranny Chaser and Transamorous.
Ally
Any non-LGBTIQ person who supports and stands up for the rights of LGBTIQ people.
Androgen blockers
Drugs used to prevent the body from producing testosterone or prevent the body from the effects of testosterone; also called anti-androgens.
Androgyne
An androgynous person; A person whose gender is not apparent based on their outward appearance. A person who sees themselves as belonging to neither gender, or both.
Androgynous
Neither clearly masculine nor clearly feminine in appearance.
Anti-androgens
See androgen blockers.
Asexual
A person who has no physical attraction to either sex or gender.
Autogynephilia
A controversial theory that the desire of male-to-female transsexuals to modify their bodies is based upon the sexual thrill they get from having their bodies feminized. Generally deemed to be a derogatory term coined by anti-trans interests.
Beard Cover
Makeup designed to minimize or eliminate the appearance of a beard shadow.
Being Read
When someone realizes that a person is transgender despite their gender presentation.
Bi-gender
The tendency to flexibly shift between masculine and feminine gender-typed behavior depending on context. The bi-gender person purposely changes their gender-role behavior for the situation.
Binary Gender System
A culturally defined code of acceptable behaviors which teach that there only two and only two distinct states of gender, men and women, who are masculine and feminine. Outdated.
Boi
Intentional misspelling of the word "boy". Sometimes used to signify a female-to-male transgender person or gender variant masculine person, the term originates from the lesbian community, referring to a young hard-butch lesbian .
Bottom Surgery
Surgery that is "below the waist", to either create a **** (for a male-to-female transsexual) or a **** and testicles (for a female-to-male transsexual).
Brain Sex
Based on the evidence that there are distinct differences in certain structures of the human brain between males and females, a human brain can be said to have a physical `sex.' It is theorized that male-to-female transsexuals have a “female brain sex” although they were born with male genitalia.
Butch
Butch is a word commonly used in the lesbian and gay communities to identify masculine females or sometimes masculine gay men. The spectrum of identity within the lesbian community can include "soft butches" who identify masculine women, to transgender butches who often do not identify as "women" and are somewhat bi-gendered in their identity," to those who identify as transmen/FTM's but still retain an identity as "butch."
CD
Abbreviation for crossdresser.
Cisgender
An adjective that means non-transgender. In other words, a cisgender woman is someone who was physiologically female at birth, raised as a girl, and who identifies as a woman.
Clock
As in "to be clocked", a rather outdated reference to being perceived by people as being transgendered. In other words, "to be read" or a "failure to pass." See "Pass" and "Read".
COGIATI
An unscientific online test for determining your gender which is widely considered too simplistic and flawed to be a good indicator of gender.
Coming Out
Announcing to your family, friends or work associates some previously secret aspect of your sexual or gender identity.
Crossdresser
A person who, on occasion, wears the clothes of and often acts as a member of the opposite sex usually to relieve gender discomfort, for emotional release, or sexual release. The out of date medical term for this type of person is “transvestite.”
Deep Stealth
Someone whose transgender status is not known by anyone they interact with on a daily basis. See "Stealth".
DRAB
Slang term meaning DRessed As Boy.
DRAG
Slang term meaning DRessed As Girl. Originally used in Shakespeare’s Globe Theater to refer to male actors (there were no actresses) playing female roles.
Drag King
The female version of a Drag Queen.
Drag Queen
A male who dresses as a woman in a flamboyant manner that over emphasizes or exaggerates traditionally female traits. Historically, drag queens were thought to be mostly gay men who dressed as women to attract men. This has been proven false. What makes a drag queen a drag queen is primarily the "look at me attitude" which motivates them rather than anything else. A drag queen may be gay, straight, bisexual, or asexual.
DSM
Abbreviation for the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" published by the American Psychiatric Association. While it recently removed gender identity disorder, cross-dressing (transvestic fetishism), and BDSM (sado-masochism) are listed as mental illnesses. It removed homosexuality from its list in 1973.
Electroepilation
See electrolysis.
Electrolysis
A time-consuming process of permanently removing hair through the use of electricity to destroy hairs individually in the skin.
En femme
A term used by crossdressers to refer to presenting oneself as a woman.
Endocrinologist
Often abbreviated as "Endo", a medical doctor specializing in the functions and diseases of the Endocrine System. People who undertake hormone therapy should do so under the supervision and guidance of an Endocrinologist or with an Medical Doctor who will consult with one.
Estrogen
The generic name for one of the main groups of sex hormones found in high levels in genetic women and relatively low levels in genetic men.
F2M
Abbreviation for "female to male transgender person." Synonymous to "FTM".
Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS)
Surgery to change one’s face so that they appear more like a woman.
Fag Hag
A derogatory term used to describe women who prefer the social company of gay men.
Femme
A person who chooses to present with feminine mannerisms. The term can be applied across genders.
Fetish
Sexual interest in an object or activity that is not typically viewed as sexual. Such example could be a fetish for boots, armpits, or certain fabrics. The term may be used in alternative sexuality sub-cultures to refer to a style of dress typified boots, leather, and latex.
FFS
Abbreviation for facial feminization surgery.
FT
Abbreviation for “full time.” See Full Time.
FTM
Abbreviation for "female to male transgendered person." Synonymous to "F2M".
Full-time
Living 24 hours a day and seven days a week in one's chosen gender.
Gaff
A garment used to conceal a genetic males **** so that no “bulge” is visible.
Gender
Gender is an internal sense of one's self with regards to being "male," "female," both or neither regardless of one's physical sex. Although "gender" is commonly misused to refer to the sexual distinction between males and females, it should neither be viewed as a biological condition nor confused with a person's attraction to sex partners.
Gender Confirmation Surgery (GCS)
Updated term for the surgical reconfiguration of genital tissue from that of birth to match the transperson's gender.
Gender Cues
What human beings use to attempt to tell the gender/sex of another person. These cues may include such things as hairstyle, body shape, facial hair, and vocal inflection.
Gender Discomfort
Similar to gender dysphoria although less severe, where the person does not feel right about living in a particular gender role.
Gender Dysphoria
A medical term used to denote any person who strongly and persistently identifies with the opposite sex. Also called Gender Identity Disorder (GID).
Gender Euphoria
Feeling positive about one's cross-gender activities. The term arises in the transgender community as a pun playing on the psychological term "gender dysphoria".
Gender Identity
An inner sense that one is or belongs to a particular gender regardless of the actual physical body they inhabit. This is the individual’s innermost concept of self as "male or "female."
Gender Identity Disorder (GID)
Outdated. Recently removed from the DSM in version 5. A mental illness included in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" published by the American Psychiatric Association, which refers to a gender identity that is inconsistent with one's biological sex. Many transgender persons object to being considered mentally ill, arguing that it is a completely inaccurate diagnosis and serves to dehumanize and anthologize them.
Gender Queer
A term which is used by some people who may not fit on the spectrum of the what society considers “normal” gender behavior.
Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS)
The actual surgery required to physically change a person’s birth sex. Commonly called a Sex Change. More recently being referred to as "Gender Affirming Surgery".
Gender-Bender
A person who merges characteristics of all genders in subtle ways or intentionally flaunts merged/blurred cultural/stereotypical gender nouns for the purpose of shocking others, without concern for passing.
GG
Abbreviation for Genetic Girl, which refers to a person born female. This term is sometimes considered somewhat condescending whereas "Genetic Woman" is increasingly more prefered. Synonymous to "Real Girl," "Natal Girl" and "Genetic Woman."
GID
Abbreviation for Gender Identify Disorder.
GLBT
Abbreviation of Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered. An overarching term for anyone outside gender norms.
LBGTA
Abbreviation for "Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender and Ally."
GLBTIQ
Abbreviation of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersexed, and questioning. An even more broad overarching term for anyone outside gender norms.
Gurl
An intentional misspelling of "girl", often used to signify a MTF transgendered person.
GW
Abbreviation for Genetic Woman, which refers to a person born female. Synonymous to "Real Girl," "Natal Girl," and "Genetic Girl" although in recent years "Genetic Woman" has become more increasingly preferred over "Genetic Girl" which may be viewed as somewhat condescending.
Harry Benjamin
Harry Benjamin (January 12, 1885 – August 24, 1986) was a German-born sexologist who, in 1954 introduced the term transsexualism and was a pioneer in the field of treating transsexuals. In 1979 the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association was formed, using Benjamin's name by permission.
Harry Benjamin Standards of Care
A good intentioned but some controversia set of rules dictating what is considered to be the appropriate way to treat transsexuals.
Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association
The organization of mental health professionals that maintains a standard of care for the treatment of transsexuals.
HB-SOC
See Harry Benjamin Standards of Care.
HBIGDA
See Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association.
Hermaphrodite
Outdated. A person born with full or partial reproductive organs of both sexes. Hermaphrodites come in a range of conditions. The "true hermaphrodite" where the person has the complete genitals of both sexes is *extremely* rare. What is more common is one testicle and one ovary, where neither is completely developed and fully functional. This is called a "psuedo hermaphrodite." See Intersex.
Hir
A gender neutral replacement for the pronouns “him” and “her.”
Homophobia
Fear or hatred of lesbians and gay men and sometimes, by extension, of the bisexual and transgender communities.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Medical treatment using hormones, used by transsexuals to affect the development of secondary sex characteristics such as developing breasts. In non-transsexual individuals, the use of hormones is most-often used to treat the discomforts of menopause or to replace hormones (especially estrogen) lost after menopause.
Hormone Supplement Therapy
Synonym for Hormone Replacement Therapy, although more commonly used by female-to-male transsexuals.
HRT
See Hormone Replacement Therapy.
HST
See Hormone Supplement Therapy.
Hu
A gender-neutral pronoun replacement for the words "he," "she," "him," "her," "his" and "hers." Pronounced "huh."
Intersex
Persons born with the full or partial sex organs of both a male and female, or with underdeveloped or ambiguous sex organs. About 4-5% of all births are intersex to some degree. This word replaces the politically incorrect hermaphrodite.
Kathoey
Also spelled 'Katoey', which generally refers to a male-to-female transgender person or an effeminate gay male in Thailand. Often considered synonymous with "ladyboy", sao praphet song ("a second kind of woman", or phet thee sam (third sex). The term "kathoey" may be considered pejorative by some, because it is often considered to to have a meaning similar to the English language "fairy."
Ladyboy
Historically, a Thai m2f transgender or transsexual person. However, the term has since been widened to include persons of asian descent or appearance, not just those from Thailand.
Laser
Usually used to refer to a range of hair reduction processes that utilize high intensity light to destroy hair. While criticized as not being permanent, it can be quite effective in reducing the overall density of dark hair.
M2F
Abbreviation for "male to female transgendered person." Synonymous to "MTF".
MTF
Abbreviation for "male to female transgendered person." Synonymous to "M2F".
Mones
Slang for hormones.
Non-Op
A transsexual person who has decided not to undergo gender reassignment surgery and yet lives full-time in the gender role they desire.
Omnisexual
A person who is attracted to all people regardless of their sex or gender.
Orchiectomy
Also known as castration, which is the removal of the testes. Some transwomen have an orchiectomy prior to gender confirmation surgery to stop the production of testosterone, eliminating the need to take antiandrogens.
Outing
The involuntary disclosure of one’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status.
Pangender
A person whose gender identity is comprised of a mixture of many gender expressions.
Pansexual
A person who is sexually attracted to all or many gender expressions. Pansexually identified people often explain that "I like who I like."
Pass
To "pass" is to succeed at being perceived as a member of one’s preferred gender regardless of actual birth sex.
Post-Op
A transsexual who has completed gender reassignment surgery.
Pre-Op
A transsexual who intends to complete but has yet to undergo gender reassignment surgery.
Primary Sex Characteristics
The genitalia associated with each sex (i.e. ****, ****).
Presentation
The totality of one's appearance when dressing, including voice, behavior, appropriateness of clothing for the situation, etc.
Prostate
A male sex gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. About the size of walnut, the prostate makes a milky fluid that joins with sperm during ejaculation.
Purge
To purge is to get rid of all cross-gender related items such as clothing and makeup in an effort to giving up cross-dressing and the cross-gender identity in an attempt to "cure" their transgenderism. Repeated purging is sometimes an indicator that a person is suffering from a cyclic depression disorder and/or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Queer
An umbrella term for any deviation from societal norms for gender and sexual behavior.
Questioning
A person is in the process of questioning their sexual identity or gender identity.
Read
Synonymous to "Clock", which refers to not being perceived as being the gender in which one is trying to present as.
Real Girl
A person born female. This term is often considered rude since it could imply that a male-to-female transgender person was somehow "not real." Synonymous to "Genetic Girl".
Real Life Experience
Often abbreviated as RLE, refers to the requirement listed in the Standards of Care that a transsexual seeking genital surgery must live full-time in their desired gender role for a time period before the surgery will be approved. If done properly, this will give the person a reasonable idea about whether they can successfully live in their preferred gender.
Real Life Test
See Real Life Experience.
Secondary Sex Characteristics
Physical traits linked to biological sex although not directly involved in procreation such as breasts and facial hair.
Sexual Orientation
A term used to refer to a person's emotional, romantic and sexual attraction to individuals of a particular gender, i.e. whether one is heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. Although sometimes mistakenly equated with gender identity, sexual orientation is separate and distinct from one's gender identity.
Sexual Reassignment Surgery
Outdated. See Gender Confirmation Surgery.
Shemale
A rather crude term, often used in the **** industry, that refers to a non-op or pre-op transsexual. Highly Derogatory.
Significant Other
Term representing a partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse.
SO
Abbreviation for Significant Other.
SOC
See Harry Benjamin Standards of Care.
SRS
Outdated abbreviation for Sexual Reassignment Surgery. See Gender Confirmation.
Stealth
This term refers to when a person chooses to be secretive about their gender history.
Testosterone
The hormone that is essential for sperm production and the development of male characteristics, including muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, bone mass, facial hair growth, voice change and sex drive.
TG
Abbreviation for transgender.
Top Surgery
Surgery on the breasts. For male-to-female transgender people, this is breast augmentation surgery. For female-to-male transgender people, this is breast removal surgery.
Tracheal Shave
A surgical procedure, also known as Chondrolaryngoplasty, in which a person's Adam's apple is reduced to help achieve a more passable feminine appearance.
Trannie / Tranny
Slang for anyone who is transgender. Considered derogatory.
Tranny Chaser
A derogatory term for a cis-person who is sexually attracted to transgender people. See Admirer and Transamorous.
Trans
An abbreviation of the word transgender.
Transamorous
Being sexually attracted to transgender people regardless of one's own gender identity. See Tranny Chaser (Derogatory), Admirer.
Transfan
See Admirer and Transamorous.
Transfolk
A gender-neutral term for transgender people collectively, regardless of gender.
Transgender
An umbrella term referring to anyone who's behavior, thoughts, or traits differ from the societal expectations for their sex. This group includes cross-dressers, transsexuals, and intersex individuals. It should be noted that the term transgender should be used as an adjective, not as a noun. Do not say, "Chris is a transgender," or "There are a lot of transgenders here." Instead say, "Chris is a transgender person," or "There are a lot of transgender people here."
Transgenderist
A person who lives full-time in the gender role they are most comfortable in without the intention or desire for GRS. Outdated. The preferred term is Non-Op (non-operation) Transsexual.
Transition
The period of time during which a transgender person changes from one gender role to the other. This is not the same thing as having gender reassignment surgery.
Transman
A female-to-male transgender person.
Transperson
A transgender person.
Transsexual
A person who’s body and gender identity are not in sync with each other causing such severe emotional discomfort to the point that body alteration through hormones and/or surgery are usually required.
Transvestic fetishism
Transvestic fetishism is a narrower term used in the medical community to refer to one who has a fetish for wearing the clothing of the opposite gender. It should be noted that it is often difficult to distinguish between fetishism that happens to have female clothing as an object and transgender behavior that includes sexual play.
Transvestite
The out of date term for a person who wears the clothes of and often acts as a member of the opposite sex. This term is was invented by the medical community to describe a psychological disorder, and therefore is considered offensive by some who disagree that being transgender implies having any sort of mental disorder. The preferred term is crossdresser.
Transwoman
A male-to-female transgender person.
Tri-Ess
One of the earliest transgender support group. The official name of the organization is the "Society for the Second Self", or 'Tri-Sigma' for short, which in turn has evolved into the phonetic "Tri-Ess". Tri-Ess was started in 1976 with the merger of "Foundation for Full Personality Expression" (a group founded by Virginia Prince in the eary 1960s) and a Southern Californian group called "Mamselle."
TS
Abbreviation for Transsexual.
Tuck
To position one's **** and testicles, often held in place by tape or a gaff, so that it appears as if the person does not have male genitals.
Two Spirit
A Native American/First Nation term for people who blend the masculine and the feminine.
Underdressing
Wearing undergarments or intimate apparel normally associated with the opposite sex under one's own usual apparel. For some men, this is as far as they want to go and they don't feel any need to go further. For some, the thought of meeting clients or peers while secretly wearing feminine items underneath, unknown to anyone but themselves, is especially exciting to them, but they otherwise may not feel any emotions or feelings of being feminine inside. Other individuals underdress as a way of reinforcing some sense of femininity.
Vaginoplasty
A surgical procedure that modified and reposition the male genital tissue into a female configuration. See Gender Reassignment Surgery.
Virginia Prince
The "mother of the modern transgenderism." Virginia Prince played in important role in educating the medical profession, the transgender community itself, and the rest of the world on transgenderism. Her writings date back to the 1957. She established one of the first support groups for the transgender and was instrumental in getting cross-dressing decriminalized. She also helped to put forth the notion that not all transvestite's are gay or bisexual. She was the first known crossdresser to appear on television, and coined several terms that are in use today.
WBW
Abbreviation for "Womyn-Born-Womyn". This is often used as an exclusionary term by some of the more hostile elements of the lesbian and feminist communities to exclude transwomen, under the premise that transwomen were not raised and socialized as women, therefore do not share the female experience, and thus are not truly women.
Womyn
Womyn is one of a number of alternate spellings of the word "woman" which some (especially some feminists) promote as a way to remove the perception of gender bias from the English word women.
Zap
Slang for getting hair removed with electrolysis.
Ze
A gender neutral replacement for “he” and “she.”
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Glossary originally started by alexisgrey. Moved from General Discussion to Wiki for further formatting and added navigation.


Edited and originally posted by Chrys, May 14, 2013.

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