Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people seldom appear physically different from straight people. Transgender people must go through a process of transition where they might have difficulty “passing” as their correct gender. They can opt for surgery and/or hormone therapy to better align their physical bodies with their correct gender; changes can be made to names and identifying documents. This can eventually provide them with a way to pass as a biological male or female and thus disappear from the “LGBT” community.
Here are a few of the differences in the experiences of and challenges faced by transgender individuals that differ from the LGB community:
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Lesbian, Gay, and
Bisexual People |
Transgender People
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Orientation |
Identity |
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No “cure” |
Gender affirmation surgery |
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No legal record of status |
Requires changes – SSN, DMV, passport |
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No marriage equality, except MA |
Marriage is possible in most states based on birth sex – regardless of appearance or transition. Exceptions are in OH, TX, and KS. Many transgender marriages appear to be same-sex marriages. In Kansas, a transgender person has no legal sex or gender. |
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Usually no restroom problems |
Often refused use of gender-appropriate restroom facilities |
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Accepted by many athletic teams, including all major pro sports. |
Usually denied participation. Exceptions are in the Olympics and some pro sports. |