The state of feeling aligned and/or comfortable with the relationship between one’s gender identity and body, gender expression, and/or gender role. Miguel felt a greater sense of gender congruence when binding and wearing loose-fitting clothing, as doing so allowed their gender expression to align more closely with their transmasculine identity.
Describes people sexually and romantically attracted to people of the same gender. The term is sometimes used to refer specifically to men (transgender or otherwise) romantically and sexually attracted to other men. “Gay” has replaced the outdated and clinical term “homosexual” as the preferred label for sexual and romantic same-gender attraction.
A fabric or material designed to tuck one’s genitals against the body, creating a flatter and less conspicuous appearance. Some transfeminine and/or non-binary individuals may wear a gaff to fit into tighter, more form-fitting clothing (see: tucking).
A transgender person who lives and presents full-time as their true gender. Living full-time is being authentic in expressing oneself; the method of living full-time is typically circumstantial and based on personal preferences. Not all transgender people have the resources to guarantee their physical safety should they present full-time as their true gender, and some may be forced to detransition and/or remain closeted in some or all aspects of their everyday lives. After going on HRT for several months, Rachel felt confident presenting full-time as her true gender.
An abbreviation standing for “Female to Male,” describing an individual assigned female at birth whose gender identity is male or transmasculine. The term is sometimes used to describe binary transgender men.
A surgical procedure intended to create more conventionally feminine facial features; may involve altering a person’s hairline, forehead, and/or nose and shaving the Adam’s apple (see: chondrolaryngoplasty).
A type of hormone responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics, including breast development, increased pubic hair growth, and changes in fat distribution. In some people, estrogen may cause diminished muscle tissue, reduction of erectile response, and enlargement of the areolas. Estrogen does not cause the reduction or elimination of existing body and facial hair, nor does it cause thinning of vocal cords.
An estrogenic steroid hormone that causes the development of secondary sex characteristics, including breast development, increased pubic hair growth, and changes in fat distribution. When prescribed as medication, estradiol can be taken orally, transdermally (through the skin), or by injection into muscle or fat tissue.
