What does it mean to be trans?

Trans is the umbrella term used to describe people whose gender is not the same as, or does not sit comfortably with, the gender they were assigned at birth. There are many people under the wider trans umbrella, who identify as non-binary (an umbrella term for people whose gender identity doesn’t sit comfortably with ‘man’ or ‘woman’) and instead identify as gender-neutral (neither man or woman) or gender fluid (does not identify with having a single fixed gender).

Transitioning and gender reassignment

Some individuals who experience feeling gender different will want to change their gender expression – how they outwardly show their gender identity – from that which was assigned to them at birth and may possibly seek medical support to make their lives more comfortable. This is known as ‘transitioning’ or ‘gender reassignment’. The term ‘coming out’ is often used to describe when an individual chooses to share their decision to transition and wishes to express themselves in their affirmed gender.

Over time, this is likely to involve changes to the clothes that they wear, changing names and physical appearance, or presenting themselves in a way that is different to what the individual’s colleagues will have previously experienced when working with them. The decision to transition cannot be underestimated. Many individuals may never have the confidence, feel supported, comfortable or safe enough to take this decision. It often takes years before an individual decides to share their intention to transition, and there should be no judgement on the amount of time this might take.

For more information, please see our guidance on supporting trans, non-binary, gender fluid and gender neutral colleagues