"Transgender" (or trans) is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. While the term is modern, diverse gender identities have existed across many cultures for centuries, such as the Navajo nádleehi and Zuni lhamana in North America.
The LGBTQ+ community is a diverse group of individuals united by their shared experiences of sexual orientation and gender identity. It functions as both a subculture and a counterculture by challenging traditional heteronormative societal norms. Commonly used acronyms include: shemales cuming
Includes Asexual and Two-Spirit individuals (a term specific to Indigenous North American cultures). 3. Best Practices for Communication and Allyship "Transgender" (or trans) is an umbrella term for
An internal sense of being male, female, both, or neither. It functions as both a subculture and a
Respecting a person's pronouns (such as they/them, she/her, or he/him) is a fundamental way to affirm their identity.
Always use the terms a person uses for themselves. For general communications, the Michigan State University GSCC suggests using broad terms like "LGBTQIA+" rather than outdated or pathologizing terms like "homosexual".
Understanding the community requires staying informed through reputable resources like the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the American Psychological Association (APA) . Defining LGBTQ+ - The Center