This page answers some of the questions people often have about trans people. Some of these questions are personal, and not every trans person will want to answer them in real life — so this is a good place to start learning respectfully.

If you’re here in good faith, thank you. That matters.

What does “trans” or “transgender” mean?

A transgender (or “trans”) person is someone whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.

For example, someone assigned male at birth may identify as a woman, or someone assigned female at birth may identify as a man. Some people identify outside the traditional categories of “man” and “woman” altogether.

Being trans is about who someone is, not about who they’re attracted to.

Is being trans a choice?

No. People don’t choose to be trans.

What’s the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation?

They’re separate things.

• Gender identity is about who you are (man, woman, non-binary, etc.)
   
• Sexual orientation is about who you’re attracted to
   

A trans person can be straight, gay, bisexual, asexual, or anything else.

What does “non-binary” mean?

Non-binary people don’t identify exclusively as male or female.

Some non-binary people feel their gender is somewhere in between, some feel it’s fluid, and some feel it’s entirely outside the binary. There’s no single “look” or experience that defines being non-binary.

Why do pronouns matter so much?

Using the correct pronouns is a basic sign of respect.

For trans people, being misgendered can be upsetting, exhausting, or triggering, especially when it happens repeatedly. Getting someone’s pronouns right is no different from using their correct name.

If you make a mistake, correct yourself briefly and move on. Long apologies can make things more awkward than helpful.

What does “transition” mean?

Transition is the process of living as your true gender. It looks different for everyone and may include:

• Social changes (name, pronouns, clothing)
   
• Legal changes (documents)
   
• Medical care (hormones or surgery)

Not all trans people want or can access medical transition. Someone is no less trans if they don’t medically transition.

Are trans people mentally ill?

No.

Being trans is not a mental illness. Major medical and psychological organisations worldwide agree on this.

However, trans people experience higher rates of anxiety and depression largely because of discrimination, rejection, harassment, and lack of support, not because they’re trans.

Support and acceptance significantly improve mental health outcomes.

Is it okay to ask trans people questions about their bodies?

No.

Questions about someone’s body, surgery, or genitals are very personal and often inappropriate especially if you wouldn’t ask the same thing of a cisgender person. Curiosity is natural, but it’s important to respect boundaries.

That’s why resources like this exist.

What does it mean to be an ally?

Being an ally means:

• Listening to trans people
   
• Respecting names and pronouns
   
• Speaking up against misinformation and discrimination
   
• Being willing to learn and unlearn without expecting trans people to educate you all the time

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be willing.

I’m scared of saying the wrong thing. What should I do?

That’s normal.

Most trans people would much rather see someone trying respectfully than someone avoiding them altogether. If you mess up, acknowledge it, correct it, and keep going.

Kindness and effort go a long way.

Where can I learn more?

Look for resources created by trans people and trans-led organisations. Listening to lived experience is one of the best ways to understand.

And remember: trans people aren’t a debate or a theory, they’re people, living their lives like anyone else.