Trans* Glossary

AFAB

Stands for "Assigned Female at Birth." May be used to describe someone whose sex was designated as female on their original birth certificate, typically based on their external genitalia. This term is sometimes used to provide context when discussing a person's transition. While some transgender and non-binary people may describe themselves as AFAB, it is best to only refer to others by their current gender identity.

Agender

A person who does not identify with or experience any gender. Agender individuals may use any pronouns and their ways of expressing their gender (or lack of it) vary widely by individual. (Source: Portland.gov Glossary of LGBTQ+ and Gender Terms)

Allyship

Working to end oppression for a group other than one's own. Allyship is an active, consistent, and arduous practice of unlearning and re-evaluating, in which a person holding systemic power works in solidarity with a group of people who are systemically disempowered.  Being an ally is a lifelong process and is not self-defined. The work and efforts must be recognized by those you are allies with. (Source: Forbes “Allyship- The Key To Unlocking The Power of Diversity”)

AMAB

Stands for “Assigned Male at Birth.” May be used to describe someone whose sex was designated as male on their original birth certificate, typically based on their external genitalia. This term is sometimes used to provide context when discussing a person’s transition. While some transgender and non-binary people may describe themselves as AMAB, it is best to only refer to others by their current gender identity. 

Androgen(s)

A group of masculinizing hormones (such as testosterone) that are either produced endogenously by a person’s body or administered exogenously via injections, tablets, topical gels, and/or subcutaneous implants. (Source: Trans Lifeline Glossary of Terms and Definitions)

Androgyne

Identifying and/or presenting as neither masculine nor feminine (Source: AACRAO “Glossary”)

Androgyny/Androgynous

A person’s outward gender expression that appears ambiguous or does not indicate a particular gender. May involve appearances that combine conventionally masculine and feminine traits, or gender presentations that fall outside of the binary.

Antiandrogen

Also known as “blockers.” A medication that inhibits the effects of endogenous androgens (such as testosterone) on the body by either blocking androgen receptors and/or suppressing androgen production. For example, Spironolactone is a medication with anti-androgenic properties that is often prescribed alongside estrogen as a part of feminizing Hormone Replacement Therapy. (Source: Trans Lifeline Glossary of Terms and Definitions)

Assigned Gender

The legally denoted gender assigned to newborn children based on external primary sex characteristics such as genitals. In modern-day western culture, a person’s assigned sex is typically conflated with their gender identity, which consequently defines a person’s gender role and its associated expectations. Assigned gender is not related to—or a reflection of—one’s gender identity, or internal sense of gender. (Source: Trans Lifeline Glossary of Terms and Definitions)

Attraction

Attraction can be defined as an affinity or a liking for something or someone. Some, but not all types of attraction include: aesthetic, emotional, intellectual, physical/sensual, platonic, romantic, and sexual. 

Aesthetic Attraction: attraction that focuses on physical appearance or attributes; attraction towards the way someone presents themselves
Emotional Attraction: the desire to get to know and connect with someone; the desire to be emotionally present with someone
Intellectual Attraction: the desire to engage someone in an intellectual way; attraction focused on someone's mind, thoughts, and/or conversation
Physical/Sensual Attraction: the desire to give or receive touch in a physical (but not in a sexual) way; the desire to touch, hold, or cuddle someone
Platonic Attraction: the desire to be friends and have a close bond with someone; the desire to have relationships that are intimate and loving
Romantic Attraction: attraction that focuses on romantic contact or interest with other person(s)
Sexual Attraction: attraction that focuses on the desire for sexual contact or showing sexual interest for other person(s)
(Source: Verywell Mind "What Are the Types of Attraction")

Autoinjectors

A spring-loaded device used to inject oneself with medication. A common example of an auto-injecting medication is the Epi-pen, which administers a pre-loaded dose of epinephrine. Reusable autoinjectors, which do not come pre-filled, are also available for folks with self-administered injectable medications such as hormones. To use a reusable autoinjector, you fill your own syringe, lock it into the mechanism, push a button to release the needle into the injection site, and push the plunger manually to release the medication. This device can help ease the process of self-injecting for those with shakiness, limited strength, difficult injection sites, or a fear of needles.