This glossary covers a wide range of terms and abbreviations used by or when talking about folks in the Trans* community. Some of these words are outdated terms and others are very new. We are constantly creating new language to describe our life experiences and as such, there may be some terms missing from this glossary. If you would like to add a word to our glossary, please email equity@sa.ucsb.edu.
E (aka: on E, being on E, taking E)
A common abbreviation or slang for Estrogen.
Ectomy
This suffix means "act of cutting out" and typically refers to the surgical removal of something, usually from the body. In the context of gender-affirming procedures, this suffix indicates that a surgery will involve the removal of a sexual organ or secondary sex characteristic (e.g., mastectomy, penectomy, hysterectomy).
Egg
Slang for a person who may be trans but has not yet realized or come to terms with it. Sometimes associated with someone in denial of their gender-related feelings. One’s eventual discovery of their trans identity may be referred to as their “egg cracking” or “hatching.”
Electrolysis
A process by which hair follicles are damaged in order to prevent the regrowth of hair. Electrolysis uses shortwave radio frequencies via an epilator device to destroy hair follicles and is usually administered by a dermatologist. It is more permanent than laser hair removal, though it still requires multiple sessions. At-home versions of this method exist, but are not proven to be safe or effective. (Source: Trans Language Primer)
Enby
Colloquial term for a non-binary person (phoneticization of the letters N and B). (Source: Trans Lifeline Glossary of Terms and Definitions)
Endocrinologist
A medical professional who specializes in the endocrine system and its secretions (hormones). Some transgender people who undergo medical transition may see an endocrinologist in order to access or adjust hormone replacement therapy (HRT). (Source: Trans Lifeline Glossary of Terms and Definitions)
Endosex
People who are not intersex. While genital configuration is most often used to assign gender at birth, it is not comprehensive, accurate, or even relevant to actual variations in physiology, biology, etc. Many people are assigned an endosex gender/sex at birth. But some find out later in life that their biological sex is not what they had expected based on their birth assignment. Endosex and perisex have been offered as alternatives to dyadic, as dyadic linguistically refers to a binary. (Source: Trans Language Primer)
Estradiol
An estrogenic steroid hormone that causes the development of secondary sex characteristics including breast development, increased pubic hair growth, and changes in fat distribution. When prescribed as medication, estradiol can be taken orally, transdermally (through the skin), or by injection into muscle or fat tissue. Estradiol is one of the most common forms of feminizing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). (Source: Trans Lifeline Glossary of Terms and Definitions)
Estrogen
A type of hormone responsible for the development of feminine secondary sex characteristics, including breast development, increased pubic hair growth, and changes in fat distribution. In some AMAB people, estrogen may cause diminished muscle tissue, softening of skin, reduction of erectile response, and enlargement of the areolas. Estrogen cannot eliminate body/facial hair or lighten one’s voice; these require electrolysis, surgery, or voice training. (Source: Trans Lifeline Glossary of Terms and Definitions)