Definitions

The language around gender is constantly evolving. In this guide, transgender refers to a person who has transitioned, or is transitioning (socially and/or medically), in order to affirm their gender. Transgender men were assigned female at birth, and identify as male. Transgender women were assigned male at birth, and identify as female.

Transgender women were assigned male at birth, and identify as female. Trans is also used as an umbrella term for those whose gender differs from their sex assigned at birth, including binary and non-binary identities. Not all trans people are able or choose to transition. Nonbinary, genderqueer and gender non-conforming refer to people whose gender identities are neither, both or other than male or female*.

We use cisgender for a person whose gender identity is the same sex they were assigned at birth. Trans people may or may not seek medical help with their transition and treatment plans are highly individualized. Hormone therapy or surgeries may affect fertility and the need for different kinds of contraceptives.

*These definitions have been adapted from Carrellas B, Sprinkle A. Urban Tantra: Sacred Sex for the Twenty-first Century. Celestial Arts (2007) and Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare (FSRH), Contraceptive Choices and Sexual Health for Transgender and Non-binary People (2017).