Terminology
Sex
At birth, people are assigned a sex of either male or female, usually based on the appearance of their external anatomy. However, a person's sex is actually a combination of bodily characteristics including: chromosomes, hormones, internal and external reproductive organs, and secondary sex characteristics. People often use the terms “sex” and “gender” interchangeably, but they are two different concepts.
Gender Roles
Gender includes the attitudes, feelings, and behaviors or roles that a given culture associates with a person’s biological sex. Gender roles vary significantly acrosscultures and across time. While in our society we have typically thought of gender as a binary (either male or female), there are and have been many cultures in which more than two genders are commonly understood.
Gender Identity
One’s internal, deeply held sense of one’s gender. Most people have a gender identity of man or woman (or boy or girl). For some people, their gender identity does not fit neatly into one or two of those choices. Gender identity is not visible to others.
Gender Expression
Gender expression is how we communicate our gender to others. This may include one's name, pronouns, clothing, haircut, behavior, voice, or mannerisms. Society identifies these cues as masculine and feminine, although what is considered masculine and feminine changes over time and varies by culture. Transgender people may seek to make their gender expression align with their gender identity, rather than the sex they were assigned at birth, or they may, for a variety of reasons, choose not to align their gender expression with their gender identity, for reasons of safety, whether they are out at work or at home, etc.
Transgender (adj.)
An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or gender expression differs from what is typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. Many transgender people are prescribed hormones by their doctors to change their bodies. Some undergo surgery as well. But not all transgender people can or will take those steps, and a transgender identity is not dependent upon medical procedures. This term is frequently shortened to “trans.”
Gender Spectrum or Gender Continuum
In contrast to the“static, binary model”(that is, the idea that there are only two genders), the Gender Spectrum is a more nuanced, and ultimately truly authentic model of human genderthat describes thefar more rich texture of biology, gender expression, and gender identity intersect in multidimensional array of possibilities.
Gender Non-Conforming
A term used to describe some people whose gender expression is different from conventional expectations of masculinity and femininity. Not all gender non-conforming people identify as transgender; nor are all transgender people gender non-conforming.Many transgender men and women have gender expressions that are conventionally masculine or feminine, so simply being transgender does not make someone gender non-conforming.
Cisgender
A term used to describe people who are not transgender. "Cis-" is a Latin prefix meaning "on the same side as," and is therefore an antonym of "trans-."
Transition
Altering the sex one is assigned at birth is not a one-step procedure; it is a complex process that occurs over a long period of time. Transition may include: telling one's family, friends, and co-workers; using a different name and new pronouns; dressing differently; changing one's name and/or sex on legal documents; hormone therapy; and possibly (though not always) one or more types of surgery. The exact steps involved in transition vary from person to person.Avoid the phrase "sex change."
Ally
Someone who actively promotes the health and welfare of a group of which they are not a member.
-Adapted from GLAAD’s Media Reference Guide.
HCL Pride Workgroup’s Tips for Allies
Do Your Research: It’s unfair to expect a trans person to educate you on every aspect of transgender life, in fact, this can be quite traumatic. You can find much information online through organizations like GLAAD, PFLAG, and OutFront Minnesota.
Learn about the Spectrum of Gender and Sexuality: Gender identity is not binary, and it is different than sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is about who we're attracted to. Gender identity is about one’sdeeply held understanding of one’sgender. Transgender people can be gay, lesbian, bisexual or straight.
Listen & Reflect: If a trans person does decides to talk to you about a trans topic/issue, it’s important to listen and genuinely take what they are telling you into mind. Take the time to absorb the information they’ve given you and reflect, rather than immediately and emotionally responding.
Avoid Assumptions: You simply cannot tell from appearance that a person is transgender. It is best to assume that anyone may be transgender, and to use inclusive language and behavior for EVERYONE. If a person wants to disclose their gender identity to you, that’s their decision.
Ask about Pronouns: Make this a part of regular introductions for everyone rather than calling out individuals. We do not ask for “preferred” pronouns, as that insinuates that it is a preference rather than part of a person’s identity. Also, it suggests that it is preferred but not required for people to use the correct pronouns.
Use Gender-Neutral Language: Use gender-neutral pronouns if you do not know which pronouns a person uses. Avoid using gendered language in greetings, such as “ladies,” “gentlemen,” “sir,” “guys,”etc.
Respect Privacy: Never “out” a trans person without their express consent. Not only is this disrespectful, but it can also be a safety issue. Never ask about a trans person’s genitals, surgical or hormone status, sex life, or pre-transition name. You simply don’t need to know.
Respect Individuality & Diversity: There is no singular way to be trans, there is also no singular narrative to the trans experience. The current high-profile representations of transgender people, such as Caitlin Jenner, may represent a skewed sense of what the everyday experience is like for many transgender people with more limited resources or connections.
Validate Trans Identities: Let go of physical appearance/expression as a defining factor for someone’s identity. If someone says they are a man, a woman, genderqueer, nonbinary, etc., they ARE that identity, regardless of what they look like, or their surgical or hormone status.
Be Aware of Your Role as an Ally: Being an ally isn’t always the easiest, but they are essential and definitely appreciated! Challenge transphobic language or transphobia in daily life and be aware of the issues trans people face. It’s incredibly important to create space for trans people to be heard and for allies to ‘show up’ when asked/needed.
Set an Inclusive Tone at Meetings: During introductions/ice breakers ask for names AND pronouns. This is a good reminder that everyone has pronouns, even cisgender people.
Don’t Overdo It: When you become aware of the harsh marginalization that trans people endure, you may face the urge to run to your new trans friend/co-worker with every news story, article, and issue you’ve read or heard about. While this could be well intentioned, trans people are much more than just trans people, they are people first and foremost. Not every trans person is in a place emotionally to talk about these things all of the time.
Get Involved: The Hennepin County Employee Resource Group for Transgender and Gender Non-conforming Staff and Allies is a great place to start!
Be Visible: Don’t hide your allyship! Wear your “Be Proud at Your Library” button. Share with your staff that you are an ally, and encourage them to be allies, too!
You WILL Make Mistakes: It’s important to learn how to apologize and receive feedback. If you made a mistake, listen to the person who was affected. Your action, or inaction, may have caused the person to feel hurt or angry. Don’t dwell on the past—but commit to learning and not repeating your mistakes in the future.
Written and developed by JayCee Cooper, Hennepin County Library 2016.