What’s the Difference Between Transgender and Non-Binary Genders?

For quite some time now, the way we talk about gender identity has become more detailed and inclusive, reflecting a broader appreciation for how people experience and express themselves. Two terms you might have heard are transgender and non-binary. While they both fall under gender diversity, they represent unique identities and experiences. Let's dive into what makes them each unique and how we can all better understand and support each other.

What Does Transgender Mean?

Transgender is an umbrella term for individuals whose gender identity doesn't align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Basically, a transgender person's sense of their own gender differs from what was assigned, based on the primary sexual characteristics of their body. But it is also an identity of it’s own as well. So, let’s go over some basic vocabulary:

  • Gender Identity: The sense of gender a person has, whether or not it is in alignment with their sex assigned at birth. Examples include transman or transwoman (a person who’s gender does not align with their assigned sex at birth) and cisman or ciswoman (a person who’s gender does match that of their assigned sex at birth)

  • Transition: Process of steps that help someone align better align their body and life with their gender. This looks different for everyone and may include social changes (choosing a different name, pronouns, attire, hairstyle, etc.) and/or medical procedures (like hormone therapy or surgeries).

  • Gender Dysphoria: A feeling of disconnection or discomfort with the relationship between their identity and body—but not everyone who is transgender experiences dysphoria and it is a false assumption to believe so.

What Does Non-Binary Mean?

Non-Binary is also an umbrella term but for genders outside the typical, rigid male and female categories. People might feel a mix of both genders, neither, a fluidity of genders, or something entirely different. Non-binary is also a gender identity of its own. Here are some basics you should know:

  • Identity: Non-binary individuals experience their gender in a variety of ways.

  • Gender Expression: This includes someone’s gender presentation, which pronouns feel most appropriate, and which label they most closely identify with if non-binary isn’t their chosen identity. It's varied and can change over time, not necessarily fitting traditional norms.

  • Pronouns: Some prefer gender-neutral pronouns like they/them/theirs to match their identity; some prefer a combination of more gendered pronouns and neutral. All choices are appropriate.

  • Transition: Some non-binary people chose to undergo social and/or medical steps to better align their bodies or lives with their gender, some do not.

  • Gender Dysphoria: Some non-binary people experience dysphoria, some do not.

Key Differences

While both divert from puritanical ideas about gender, they're different in important ways:

  • Identity Alignment:

    • Transgender: Involves a gender that differs from birth assignment, often with a desire to align expression accordingly.

    • Non-Binary: Often doesn't fit neatly into male or female, recognizing a range of identities.

  • Understanding of Gender:

    • Transgender: Usually involves transitioning between more rigid categories of gender or affirming a different identity.

    • Non-Binary: Rejects the male-female binary by definition, embracing diverse gender identities.

  • Gender Expression:

    • Transgender: Often includes physical or social changes to match identity.

    • Non-Binary: Expresses identity in ways that might be fluid and non-conforming, can include social and medical changes to match identity.

Challenges and Misconceptions

Both groups face challenges like being fundamentally misunderstood, targeted discrimination, hate crimes, and are not considered a federally protected class, leaving the gender diverse community open to many forms of retaliation, discrimination, and being blocked from access to adequate and comprehensive healthcare.

A common misconception for both groups is that gender diversity is a rather new phenomenon. However, gender diverse people have been around for as long as people have been around!

Celebrating Diversity and Promoting Inclusivity

Transgender and non-binary people have existed throughout all civilizations. Here are some of the earliest examples in history:

  • 2000bc – Mesopotamia showed records of people who were neither male nor female and created by God.

  • 2000bc – Ancient Egypt had three genders inscribed on pottery.

  • 900bc – Scythians of the Middle East had a third gender for, people who would now likely be called, transwomen and were considered priests and warriors. The Scythians are also credited as having created the first hormone therapy from licorice root.

  • 400bc – Ancient India has a third gender called the Hijra people which are oppressed but still exist to this day.

  • 100ad – Ancient Judaism recognized 6 – 8 genders (depending on the source).

  • Pre-colonial Native Americans – Many tribal nations honor the gender diversity of their members through the umbrella term Two-Spirit, which may also be an identity of its own for certain people. Two Spirit people still exist to this day although oppressed.

Understanding and respecting gender diversity is key to creating supportive communities:

  • Education: Learn about transgender and non-binary identities to debunk myths.

  • Respect Pronouns: Use the right names and pronouns to show respect.

  • Advocacy: Support policies that protect everyone's rights.

  • Listen and Learn: Listen to experiences and challenges to gain insight and offer compassion.

Conclusion

By embracing gender diverse identities, we create a richer and more supportive world where everyone's true self is valued. Understanding our differences enriches our communities and deepens our compassion for the diversity of the human experience and all of the unique and powerful gifts that it offers. There is room for everyone at the table because there is enough gender to go around. In fact, there’s no wrong way to live out your gender if it is true to your authentic self.

Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to explore your gender today. I am so glad you are here!


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About the Author

Sara Walter Shihdanian (she/they) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in trauma and gender + transition, providing virtual psychotherapy in Washington state. Her extensive training and unique expertise allows her to support clients who are ready for accelerated and lasting change.

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