Transgender

Find out everything you want to know about being Transgender and what it means to identify as Trans.

“Transgender” is an umbrella term that refers to individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. In simpler terms, a transgender person may identify as a gender that is different from the one they were labeled with based on their physical characteristics at birth (e.g., male or female).

Gender identity is a deeply personal and internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere along the gender spectrum. It may or may not align with societal expectations of gender roles, and it can differ from a person’s biological sex.

For example:

• A person assigned female at birth who identifies as a man would be considered a transgender man.
• A person assigned male at birth who identifies as a woman would be considered a transgender woman.

Some people might also identify as non-binary, which means their gender identity doesn’t fit strictly within the categories of male or female.

Transgender individuals may choose to transition, which can include changing their name, pronouns, clothing, or undergoing medical procedures like hormone therapy or surgery, though not all transgender people pursue these steps. Transitioning is a personal process and can vary widely from one person to another.

The transgender flag, designed by Monica Helms in 1999, consists of five horizontal stripes. Each colour holds its own significance, representing different aspects of the transgender community and experience. Here’s what the colours of the transgender flag symbolize:

What do the transgender flag colours mean?

1. Light Blue: The light blue stripe represents the traditional color associated with baby boys. It symbolizes the traditional color assigned to boys at birth and represents the acceptance of those born as male but identify as female, or those who are transitioning from male to female.
2. Pink: The pink stripe represents the traditional color associated with baby girls. It symbolizes the traditional color assigned to girls at birth and represents the acceptance of those born as female but identify as male, or those who are transitioning from female to male.
3. White: The white stripe represents those who are intersex, transitioning, or consider themselves having a neutral or undefined gender. It symbolizes the diversity of gender identities beyond the traditional binary categories of male and female.

Speaking about the design of the flag to Pride.com, Helms said that she purposefully designed the flag so that regardless of how it’s held, it looks the same.

“The pattern is such that no matter which way you fly it, it will always be correct,” Helms explained. “This symbolizes us trying to find correctness in our own lives.”

When was the transgender flag introduced?

The transgender flag was introduced by Monica Helms in 1999. Monica Helms, a transgender woman and activist, designed the flag to serve as a symbol of pride and visibility for the transgender community. Since its introduction, the flag has become widely recognized and used as a representation of transgender identities and experiences.

Who is Monica Helms?

Monica Helms is a transgender activist and Navy veteran who is best known for creating the transgender pride flag in 1999. Born on June 8, 1951, in Sumter, South Carolina, Helms served in the United States Navy for eight years, during which time she came to terms with her gender identity.

After leaving the military, Helms became actively involved in transgender advocacy and visibility efforts. She conceived the idea of the transgender pride flag while serving on the board of directors for the Atlanta Gender Explorations Support group. The flag was designed to provide a symbol of unity and pride for the transgender community, akin to other LGBTQ+ pride flags.

Helms has been a prominent figure in transgender activism, working to raise awareness about transgender issues, advocate for transgender rights, and promote acceptance and understanding of transgender individuals. Her creation of the transgender pride flag has had a significant impact on the visibility and recognition of transgender identities worldwide.

The transgender flag serves as a symbol of pride, visibility, and solidarity for transgender individuals, as well as a representation of the broader transgender community’s experiences and struggles.