Support Gender

Variance

gender

The binary IMAGE a person chooses to present to the world, via their mannerisms, clothing and vocal inflections. This can be the IMAGE of a male or a female.

sex

The GENITALS a person has: a penis, a vagina or, in some cases both.

Intersex

A person born with the sexual and/or reproductive organs of both sexes: a penis, vagina, testes, ovaries or uterus OR possessing any combination of any of these.

trans

The prefix meaning CHANGE in any given thing or process.

transgender

A CHANGE in the binary IMAGE a person chooses to present that is different from their SEX. This can be the IMAGE of a male, a female or neither.

Transexual

A CHANGE of GENITALS via gender affirming sexual reassignment surgery.

crossdresser

A person that likes to wear clothing opposite from their sex BUT prefers not to alter their physical appearance in any permanent manner. (EXAMPLE: A male crossdresser that wears dresses but maintains his beard and body hair. Or a female crossdresser that prefers men’s clothing to affirm their masculine role in a lesbian coupling- yet doesn’t care to bind her chest or cut her hair to look more masculine.

NON-BINARY

The REJECTION of binary images correlating to the traditional male or female- this is where the moniker “ENBY” derives: being the phonetical spelling of the initials “N.B”. The identity, Gender Non-Conforming, falls under this as well.

Gender non-conforming / enby

Gender nonconformity, (also professionally called Gender Variance) is behavior or gender expression by a person that does not match masculine or feminine gender norms. This person doesn’t feel like they are male or female. They might feel in between; somewhere on a spectrum; or they may feel like neither.

trans woman / mtf

A trans woman is a woman who was assigned male at birth. Trans women may transition; a process that commonly includes hormone replacement therapy and sometimes sex reassignment surgery. Crossdressers may also feel trans, being that they express their gender as a woman but choose to remain sexually male.

trans man / ftm

A trans man is a man who was assigned female at birth. Most trans folk start out as gender non-conforming or non binary. The defining behavior of this is dressing in gender neutral clothing and preferring to be identified by ambiguous nicknames. Crossdressers may also subscribe to this but choose to remain sexually female.

Understanding your feelings can be hard. Coming to terms with who you are should NOT be. If neither of the 3 identities above sound like how you feel, please click this link to speak to someone that will patiently help you explore your personal identity. However you identify doesn’t need a label nor does it HAVE to be. You can assimilate any combination of self defining criteria that you feel comfortable with- and you should be supported while doing so. We are here to offer that support!

Connect to Counseling

callen-lorde

Callen-Lorde provides an affirming environment where patients can engage in an ongoing relationship with a primary care provider and/or a mental health provider to address the full spectrum of health and wellness needs. They offer information, assistance and referrals regarding benefits and entitlements, including insurance, housing, and referrals to other supportive services.

pride counseling

We provide a platform for people to get the help they need discretely, affordably, and conveniently. Message your therapist whenever an issue arises. Schedule sessions that work with your schedule.

vered counseling

Kimberly Vered Shashoua, LCSW is a therapist who has been working with teens and adults on becoming who they are throughout her career. She has a gift for reaching people where they are. She believes that therapeutic experiences aren’t confined to a therapist’s office; they can be found at school, in music, and even while playing video games.