Transgender Definitions

The following Transgender definitions have been developed, and are intended as, a quick reference to provide a basic understanding of the language of transgenderism. They are not meant to be the most sophisticated, politically correct definitions. They are certainly not a 'one-size-fits-all', but do provide a basis for an official Seahorse Victoria position in respect of categorising who's who and defining what's what in the transgender community.

Semantic wars have been fought (and still rage) over the precise definitions of some of these terms. Many people are very particular about not only the term, but also the definition of the term you apply to them, even if they profess to abhor labels anyway. These definitions have been developed using a common sense approach to help educate and inform the wider community and promote knowledge, understanding and acceptance of a largely misunderstood human condition.

 

Transgender An umbrella term used to describe all those whose gender identity is at odds with their biological sex. This includes Transsexuals and Crossdressers.
Crossdresser A person who has an inescapable emotional need to express their alternate gender identity and be accepted in that role on a less permanent basis.  Many crossdressers go on to transition to their self-identified gender.
Transexual Person who identifies as a member of the 'opposite' sex, i.e. other than their birth sex. Transsexuals usually seek hormone therapy and often surgery to bring their body into line with their gender identity.
Gender identity The gender that a person believes himself or herself to be, regardless of their biological sex.
Sex Biological sex. (Physical attribute)
Sexual Orientation Sexual attraction towards people of a particular sex (or sexes in the case of bisexuality). This is different to a person’s sex or gender identity.
MTF (or M2F) Male-to-female, usually refers to a transsexual.
FTM (or F2M) Female-to-male, usually refers to a transsexual.
Hormone therapy The process of hormonally reassigning a person's biochemistry to that of their gender identity.
Gender Reassignment Surgery(GRS) A surgical procedure whereby the sex organs of a person are refashioned to that of the gender in which they identify. Also known as Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) or Genital Reconstructive Surgery (GRS).
Gender Identity Disorder Also known as Gender Dysphoria. This is a medical condition, believed to be of biological origin, which results in a mismatch between the gender a person believes themselves to be (Gender Identity) and the physical sex of their body.
Non-op Person who does not want to have genital reassignment surgery or can't for medical, financial or other reasons.
Pre-op Person who has not had genital reassignment surgery.
Post-op Person who has had genital reassignment surgery.
Androgyne Person whose gender identity is not exclusively male or female and who may or may not have an intersex condition.  (Self-identification)
Bi-Gendered/
Androgynous		 Person who does not exclusively identify as male or female, irrespective of physical sex. (Not to be confused with bisexuality – refer definition of sexual orientation).

Non-transgender Definitions

Intersex A long-established medical (genetic) condition where an infant is born with reproductive organs and/or sex chromosomes that are not exclusively male or female. (Current word for ‘hermaphrodite’). See AISSGA for more information.
Transvestite This is a less favoured term due to the links to fetishism and sexual arousal, which are not gender identity issues. Usually refers to men who dress up for sexual pleasure. 
Drag Queen Men who wear a usually exaggerated form of female clothing for entertainment.
Drag King Women who wear a usually exaggerated form of male clothing for entertainment.
Sexual Orientation Sexual attraction towards people of a particular sex (or sexes in the case of bisexuality). This is different to a person’s sex or gender Identity.