List of Relevant Terms

With this list of definitions we hope to help generate a better understanding of why it is important to support trans women's inclusion at Rivers of Honey.

1. Biological Sex: This can be considered our “packaging” and is determined by our chromosomes (such as XX or XY); our hormones (estrogen/progesterone or testosterone); and our internal and external genitalia (vulva, clitoris, vagina, penis, testicles).

2. Cisgender: A person whose determinations of their sex and gender are universally considered valid. It is the opposite of transgender, or a person whose determination of their sex and/or gender is not universally considered valid. Other definitions commonly used are: someone who identifies with the sex and gender assigned at birth, or someone who conforms to gender norms.

3. Gender: A set of social, psychological and emotional traits, often influenced by societal expectations that classify an individual as feminine, masculine, androgynous or other. Gender characteristics can change over time and are differentiated by culture. Gender is often linked with sex, but this is inaccurate because sex refers to birth genitalia and/or chromosomes or hormones and gender refers to social and emotional feelings and norms.

4. Genderqueer or Genderfluid: A term used by many folks who identify as neither male nor female, as both, or as somewhere in between. The main focus of this identity is blur gender lines.

5. Trans man/transman, trans guy or FTM (female-to-male): A person who was assigned female at birth, but who identifies as male.

6. Trans woman/transwoman or MTF (male-to-female): A person who was assigned male at birth, but who identifies as female.

7. Transgender or Trans: A broad umbrella term that can be used to describe people whose gender expression is non-conforming and/or whose gender identity is different from their sex assigned at birth. Transgender people may or may not choose to alter their bodies hormonally and/or surgically. People must self-identify as transgender in order for the term to be appropriately used to describe them.

8. Trans misogyny: A form of transphobia directed specifically against trans women.

9. Transphobia: The irrational fear and/or hatred of those who are perceived to break or blur stereotypical gender roles, expressed as stereotyping, discrimination, harassment and/or violence. Usually directed at those who defy stereotypical gender norms or those who are perceived to exhibit non- heterosexual characteristics regardless of their actual gender identity or sexual orientation.