Williamsburg in Brooklyn in Kings County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
What Is Trans?
An evolving term for a growing range of gender identities
"We have to be visible. She should not be ashamed of who we are."
- Sylvia Rivera
The word "trans" is short for "transgender," a term whose meaning continues to evolve. People who identify as trans feel that the sex they were assigned at birthmale or femaleand the gender they have been given by people around themboy, girl, man, or womando not match how they internally understand themselves to be. People who identify with their birth sex and societal gender assignments are "cisgender."
Trans has been called an umbrella term, meaning it can include a broad diversity of identities, such as non-binary and gender non-conforming. Male and female roles, traditional in most cultures, are too rigid for many people. In Marsha P. Johnson's lifetime, these identities were not yet known. Rather, she typically referred to herself as a "transvestite" or "queen," two terms no longer in widespread use. As the term transgender has entered everyday conversation, popular misconceptions have emerged about what it means.
Myths All transgender people "medically transition" through hormones and surgery.
Transitioning means having a single operation, often called "the surgery".
Dressing in drag and being transgender are the same thing.
Sex and gender are the same.
Trans people are really just effeminate gay men or masculine lesbian women.
Trans people are simply confused about what gender they are.
Being trans is a lifestyle choice.
The meaning of transgender is fixed.
Facts Some people medically transition; others transition socially.
Medial transitioning has many steps and may include many or no surgeries.
Transgender is not about the clothes you choose to wear.
Sex is about anatomy and gender is about identity.
Trans people can be straight, gay, lesbian, asexual, or anything else.
Trans people know their own gender identities.
Being trans is deeply connected to one's sense of self.
The meaning of transgender continues to evolve.
Erected by New
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Science & Medicine.
Location. 40° 43.284′ N, 73° 57.708′ W. Marker is in Brooklyn, New York, in Kings County. It is in Williamsburg. It can be reached from the intersection of Kent Avenue and North 8th Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn NY 11249, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, the Western Hemisphere, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: What Are Your Pronouns? (a few steps from this marker); Park for the People (within shouting distance of this marker); Friends on the Fringes (within shouting distance of this marker); A Meadow in the City (within shouting
Additional keywords. LGBT, LGBTQ, 🏳️🌈
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 172 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 20, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Better closeup photo of the marker (without shadows). • Can you help?
