Gender is a deeply personal part of who we are. Sharing about gender differences is often a courageous step.

For many people, their gender aligns with what was assumed at birth — this experience is called being “cisgender”. Other people realize at some point that they are not cisgender. They may experience a gender that differs from what was assumed at birth — there are a few terms used to describe this identity, and “transgender” is one of them. People may deepen their understanding of their gender at any point in their lives.

In younger years, children and youth may not have the language to express their feelings about their gender. They may not think they can share information about gender due to worries of unsupportive responses or even threats to their safety. Creating safe, supportive environments that allow everyone to speak without judgment enables children and youth to tell us who they are. The only way to truly know someone’s gender is to hear it from them.

“I learned new things about myself through embracing my gender identity as it is. Things not just related to gender. The more I’m honest and just follow my feelings the more I get to know myself.” — Youth on learning more about their gender