The transgender community is a vital and distinct part of the broader , which encompasses the shared history, values, and artistic expressions of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and beyond.
The community has historically organized to address significant disparities, particularly in health. Transgender people, in particular, face higher rates of HIV, lack of primary care, and mental health challenges due to systemic exclusion.
"Transgender" serves as an umbrella term for individuals whose gender identity or expression differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. This includes:
Organizations like the ACLU work to ensure that all members of the community can live openly and enjoy equal rights, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Best Practices for Engagement
While the "T" in LGBTQ+ refers to —how a person feels inside—rather than who they are attracted to, the transgender community and other queer groups are united by a common fight for legal rights, personal autonomy, and freedom from discrimination. Defining the Transgender Experience