I have found that one of the many obstacles for someone who feels they may be transgender, is navigating the various identifications and definitions that are bandied about in the community.

One of the most basic misunderstandings I've found is what exactly defines a transgender person?

I have met people who crossdress--male to female or female to male--that identify themselves as transgender. Yet, crossdressing (transvestism) is as far as they go into determining that identity. To them, simply wearing the clothing and makeup of the gender other than that which you were born, makes you transgender. But many in the transgender community resent those who think they can don the transgender label as easily as they don a dress.

So, is transgenderism only valid if verified by a doctor or psychiatrist? That is also something I've found that confuses some.

And where do those who call themselves "sissies," and "femboys" fall in? Are they also transgender or are they separate identities?

What I would like to do is put together a crowd-sourced glossary or dictionary of transgender terms and definitions on the MI_Transgender_Friend subreddit:

https://www.reddit.com/r/MI_transgender_friend/

I welcome the input of EVERYONE who is identifies as transgender.

Please understand, this glossary is not a place to vent or air grievances. This will be a serious attempt to help those who are questioning their own genders, to help those who are unsure of all the definitions used, and to try and build a a consensus opinion on those definitions.

Like a Tower of Babel, misunderstanding has always fractured our community because we aren't all speaking the same language. I believe a glossary can help with that problem and I welcome all to participate.

-- Anni