Trans is short for transgender, and both are umbrella terms for anybody whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.

• This includes trans men, trans women, non-binary people, and people with other genders who are not cis (cis = people whose gender identify aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth). You can read Gender Minorities Aotearoa's trans glossary here. 

There is no "right" way to be trans.

• The ways in which each trans person expresses and affirms their own gender varies between individuals, but may include any combination of changing their name, changing their pronouns, changing their clothes, changing their hairstyle, having surgery, changing their voice, using hormone therapy, and more. Some trans people might do none of the above. 

Some people may not identify as trans, even if their gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.

• Indigenous people in particular, for example, may prefer terms from their indigenous language. 

Trans people have existed as long as human cultures have been around!

• Did you know that many indigenous cultures around the world have long, long histories of recognising diverse genders? Much of these histories have been erased or suppressed due to colonisation and colonialism, but are being rediscovered and reclaimed. 

In te ao Māori, before European colonisation, gender non-conformity and gender diversity were accepted and embraced, as were diverse sexualities.

• Sadly, the colonial legacies of homophobia and transphobia still persist today for many whānau Māori. But the tide is turning: Dr Elizabeth Kerekere, for example, alongside Tīwhanawhana Trust and Mental Health Foundation, has developed a resource called Takatāpui: Part of the Whānau, which looks at the history of takatāpui (Māori people with diverse genders, sexualities, and/or sex characteristics) and the impact of colonialism, and affirms the place of takatāpui in whānau Māori and te ao Māori. You can read Takatāpui: Part of the Whānau here or get a free hard copy from our waiting room!

Some kupu Māori (Māori words) related to being trans include:

• Takatāpui* (traditionally meant 'intimate companion of the same sex', but in the modern day it can be used as an umbrella word for any/all Māori with diverse gender identities, sexualities, or sex characteristics, much like 'rainbow' or 'LGBT+' are used in English; some Māori people will choose to identify themselves as takatāpui without getting more specific) 

• Ira tangata tāne (trans man) 

• Ira tangata wahine (trans woman) 

• Irawhiti / irawhiti takatāpui (transgender/gender that changes) 

• Read more here (Gender Minorities Aotearoa) 

*'Takatāpui' is the kupu Māori for all LGBT+ people, meaning it can be used to refer to non-Māori LGBT+ people when te reo Māori is being spoken; however, usually only Māori people would identify as or call themselves takatāpui when speaking English