Transsexual

Transsexual is an older term for people whose gender identity does not match the sex assigned to them at birth. The term comes from a medical context and is now considered outdated or inappropriate by many trans people. More commonly preferred terms are trans, transgender, trans woman, or trans man, depending on the person’s own self-identification.

The earlier idea that trans people adopt typical gestures, movements, or behaviors of the “other sex” is overly simplistic and not generally accurate. Likewise, the assumption that a trans person necessarily feels “trapped in the wrong body” or must undergo surgery is too broad. Transition may be social, legal, and/or medical, or only partial or not pursued at all; what matters is self-determination, respect, and accurate, responsible description.