Transgender

Transgender is a relatively new term that is usually applied to changing one's birth sex and its associated gender. Some transgender people who desire medical assistance to transition from one sex to another identify as transsexual. Transgender, often shortened as trans, is also used as an umbrella term; where it includes people whose gender identity is the opposite of their assigned sex (trans men and trans women),and people who are non-binary. In Scotland the term also includes people who cross dress, also known as transvestite .

Being transgender is distinct from sexual orientation.

People who transition from one sex to another sometimes return to their original birth sex identity. This is called de transitioning (see detransition). A high profile case which lead to a court case is Keira Bell who lost her ability to give birth to children because of treatment received as a young person becoming a trans man. In recent years there has been a lot of polarisation in lgbt communities over the issue of transgender rights and whether people identifying as transgender should be able to change their legal identity based on self identification. There is also debate about women's rights to single sex spaces such as toilets and changing rooms. The Gender Recognition Act requires an assessment and has safeguards to ensure those changing their legal status are fully qualified and prepared for the change.

References

<references>