Trans + GNC

The term transgender (or trans) identifies those whose gender identity does not correspond with the gender they were assigned at birth. 

The term cisgender (or cis) identifies those whose gender identity corresponds with the gender they were assigned at birth. Cishet (aka cis-hetero or cisgender heterosexual) is someone who sexually identifies as heterosexual / straight and is also cisgender.

The term gender non-conforming (or GNC) is an umbrella term that identifies those who do not conform to gender stereotypes; those who do not conform to social and/or cultural expectations for gender identities and/or expression.

Gender non-conforming identities can include non-binary, genderfluid, genderqueer, demigender, agender, bigender, pangender, Two-Spirit (specific to Indigenous culture), and other identities - though it’s important to keep in mind that gender identity is something very personal and these titles are not always interchangeable nor synonymous.

There can be, yes. While some folks who are transgender may consider themselves to be GNC, others may not; some GNC folks may identify as trans, while others may not. Trans folks and GNC folks can have varied experiences of gender and gender identity.

The term transgender / trans is considered by some to be an umbrella term, and so trans identities may include gender non-conforming and non-binary individuals as well.

Sex is a biological classification based on physical traits like reproductive organs / genital anatomy, chromosomes, and hormones. People are usually assigned their sex at birth based on these traits - male, female, or  intersex (meaning their biological characteristics don’t fit typical binary definitions of male or female).

Gender is a social and cultural construct which includes identities, roles, and expectations that societies associate with different genders (within or beyond the male / female binary). Gender does not need to have any correlation to biology, but rather is identified by the person themselves - by how they experience and express themselves.

Gender (or gender identity) is an expression of identity, or who you are.

Sexuality (or sexual orientation) refers to a person’s sexual preferences, or who you are attracted to.

While sexual orientations are usually specified by gender (i.e. a cis woman who is sexually attracted to cis men is straight, someone who is attracted to the same gender can identify as queer, etc) gender does not need to dictate sexuality. Both gender and sexuality can be fluid and have the ability to shift and grow as parts of our identities.