An umbrella term for people whose gender identity or expression differs from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth.

A term for those whose gender identity exists outside the traditional man/woman binary.

Understanding the transgender community and broader LGBTQ+ culture involves recognizing a diverse spectrum of identities, histories, and ongoing social movements. This guide provides an overview of essential terminology, cultural nuances, and ways to be a supportive ally.

These are distinct concepts. Gender identity is one's internal sense of being a man, woman, or another gender, while sexual orientation refers to who one is attracted to. For example, a transgender person may identify as straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual.

The LGBTQ+ acronym represents a broad cross-cultural community. While terms evolve, these definitions from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and APA provide a standard foundation: