Trans*
(obsolete: transsexual, transvestite)
Differences: trans*, inter*, and non-binary*
Trans* is a umbrella term for people whose gender identity does not (or does not completely) correspond to the gender assigned to them at birth.
Trans* women are therefore women who were assigned male at birth. Trans* men are men who were assigned female at birth.
The asterisk at the end of the adjective “trans*” is intended to leave room for different gender identities. Non-binary, genderqueer, and agender people are also included.
The opposite of trans* is cis. Cis means that people identify with the gender assigned to them at birth.
Important: Gender identity does not determine romantic or sexual orientation. For example, a trans* man can be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, aromantic, asexual, etc.
The correct form of address
The term “transsexual” is outdated. In the past, “transsexuality” was defined as a mental disorder. The term “transgender” is better, as it refers to social gender and focuses less on the medical aspect. Alternatively, the term “Transident” can be used in German and “identifies as trans” in English, which emphasize the aspect of personal identity.
It is important to address trans* people with their preferred pronouns. You can find out more about this in the section “pronouns”. They can vary from person to person. If you are unsure, it is best to simply ask which pronouns are preferred or start the conversation by stating your own pronouns.
"Hello, I'm Judith, my pronouns are she/her. And you?”
It is also important to avoid so-called “deadnaming.” This means to avoid referring to trans* people who have changed the name that corresponded to their biological gender by their old (“dead”) name.
Example: A child was assigned female at birth and named “Mia.” This child decided to live as a trans* man. Since then, he has wanted to be called “Tom.” Continuing to use the name Mia could be hurtful and discriminatory to Tom.
Transition
Some trans* people decide to make their gender identity visible to the outside world. This process is called transition. Transitions are very individual: they may or may not involve social, medical, and/or legal steps.
Medical Transition
Medical transition can include hormone treatments or gender-affirming surgery. The individuals themselves decide whether and which measures to take. There is no “right” or “complete” way.
After gender-affirming surgery for trans women, the sex organs are called “neovulva” and “neovagina.” After gender-affirming surgery for trans* men, the sexual organs are called “neopenis” and “neotesticles.”
- You can find out more here:
to website
- You can find out more here:
Legal Transition
Legal transition in Germany includes, among other things, changing one's first name and civil status (vital records). This is regulated by the Self-Determination Act (Selbstbestimmungsgesetz SBGG), which has been in effect since 2024. Previously, expert opinions had to be obtained for this purpose. Today, it is sufficient to fill out a declaration and submit it to the authorities.
It is important to note that transitions are not a uniform process, but rather a variety of options that those affected can choose or reject at their own discretion. The decisive factor is the recognition that every person has the right to decide about their own body, name, and identity.
-
-
Information on the current legal situation for trans* people
to website -
-
Information on the current legal situation for trans* people
Trans* bodies
For trans* or inter* people, hormones have a special significance, for example in the context of hormone therapy
Trans* women take the hormone estrogen, while trans* men take testosterone.
Estrogen
for example:
Breast growth
Softer skin
Body fat redistribution to the hips
Decrease in muscle mass
Testosterone
for example:
Deeper voice
Beard and body hair growth
Fat redistribution to the abdomen
Muscle growth
End of menstruation
Click here for information on hormones.
It's not just cis women who menstruate. Trans*, inter*, and non-binary people can also have periods—anyone who has a uterus and ovaries.
You can find more information on menstrual cycles and periods here.
Health of trans* people
Trans* people report that they avoid visiting doctors for fear of discrimination or have had bad experiences, e.g., through deliberate misgendering, insensitive questions, or exclusion from treatment. This can have serious consequences: from a lack of preventive care to unnecessary psychological stress and increased suicidality due to minority stress.
Trans* people also have a higher risk of mental illness. This can be explained, among other things, by experiences of discrimination