Choosing the right words to describe your gender identity can feel tricky. For transgender and non-binary people, finding a label that fits is personal and important.
Using respectful language matters. Outdated or offensive terms can hurt, so it’s okay to set boundaries about how others address you.
At the same time, you are more than a label. What matters most is how you choose to define yourself, no matter where you are on the gender spectrum.
Do you have a label that feels right – like crossdresser, transgender woman, non-binary, or something else?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, so let’s continue the conversation in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
Dear Lucille,
To most people I know, I let my appearance speak for itself. To my dearest few I am a gurlfriend. Thank you for being here for us !
xo
Toni
Dear Lucille
I am a woman who happened to be born with the body of a man. I can’t help what I am any more than you can control the color of you skin. If the world needs to lable me, then transgender works as well as anything. I would prefer that people just accept me for the way I present myself, as a well dressed middle aged woman.
My entire life I have been LABELED and I think it really Sucks. I am a Woman ( trapped in a man’s body…aren’t we all) I live my Life as a woman, I Use the Women’s restroom, I shop at Wal-Mart, Elder-Behrman, Dillards, and even the Salvation Army Thrift store. Yes, I try on clothes before I buy them. A Far cry from the way it used to be… Whenever I saw something pretty that I wanted to buy , instead of “Owning” the moment, I would say: “Gonna buy this for my Girlfriend/Wife, Sister or the little woman at home” I used to think to myself: “…If only they knew that it was for ME!”
Now, all the mystery (and lies) are gone! I OWN Who I am. I go to the mall to get my nails done. My Dentist is making me a new set of dentures that are more Feminine-looking. If I had known 30 years ago, how many of “US” there really are… Y’all would have never met me, as I would be a Suburban Housewife along with my Wife, 2.3 Children, two cats, a dog and a helluva Mortgage payment. I also have found, now that I am no longer LYING to my Friends and acquaintances, that I have MORE true friends who accept me as I am. I do not like Men. so, My Lable would be “Born a Male- Living as a Lesbian”.
My Therapist told me twenty years ago that, If I want to be “Believed” I shouldn’t try dressing like a Teen-Aged Hoochie. (Note: a 60 year old Woman does NOT look ‘HOT’ in a halter top and a Mini-skirt LOL) “Age-Appropriate-Clothing” should be the Rule. Now with the “RETRO” movement going on, I fit right in. I always say BE WHO YOU ARE AND “OWN” IT! …and I do. Luv & Hugggggzzzzz: Princess Chrissi
For one I hate labels , but if I were to use one I would say that I am Transgendered
bobbie
I think you had it right when you referred to us as “My Girls”
Yes, I like that label! 😉
shemale….for now…
Hi,
Unfortunately, dialogue and debate are totally impossible without labeling the components. As much as we hate “labels” we cannot get along without them.
As for me, I label myself as transsexual, as my professional life is dependent upon me presenting myself as a woman, and that, had I the choice, I would live full time as such.
Samantha
Hi Lucille,
I hate “lables” with a passion! I have been labelled different all my life. Labels are misused and are very cruel. I feel like a woman, act like a woman, and dress as a womam … so I AM a Woman. You help that to be true eith your advise.
I don’t tell anyone that I have a male body and hopefully one one day will not.
Love Mya