[Trans 101] Section One: "How to Identify Gender."

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Here in [Trans 101] I am going to lay out the basics of TransWomen for those who may be, or may believe themselves to be interested in pursuing a TransWomen. Be it sexually, for a relationship, or friendship I will list good general information everybody should know about TransWomen to better their understanding and social interactions with this rare breed of person.

Section One: "How to Identify Gender."
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There seems to be a basic level of confusion surrounding transgenders and how to recognize which proper gender pronouns to use when initiating first contact. I believe this can be confusing due to all the grey space between TransGendered people. As there are also those who are gender neutral (those who don't identify with gender) and gender fluid people. (Those who naturally flow between both gender roles based off of mood and day.) As well as Transvestites (Cross Dressers of either gender.)

Weather you can or can not tell somebodies "cis" gender (birth gender) I've found a good rule of thumb to go off of is their way of dress. Simply put, if the individual is dressed in female clothing initiate conversation with female pronouns. If they are dressed in male attire use male pronouns. The reason why this is a good rule of thumb is simply because one will generally present themselves as what and who they believe themselves to be, and weather they physically look the part yet or not the simple fact they are presenting in that fashion is enough to respect their wishes. Following this rule of thumb is valid with both TransGenders and CrossDressers.

Every once and a while you will find somebody who is completely androgynous. This could mean either they are new to Transition, new to crossing, gender fluid, or gender neutral. When approaching somebody who appears androgynous the key is to be comfortable with the fact that YOU. DO. NOT. KNOW... More often than not androgynous people are attractive as delicate features are often considered idealistic in todays society. So I would recommend paying them an androgynous compliment. "Wow, you are just gorgeous. I've never met somebody so Androgynous before! What's your name? May I ask how you identify?" Generally if somebody is gender fluid or gender neutral they will be more than happy to tell you how they identify. If they are a new Transgender or new to Transvestism then they may blush but they will just be relieved that it's not somebody being rude or confrontational and will likely tell you who they are and why they are the way they are. Which subsequently makes for a great ice breaker as well.

In the end understanding people and their gender roles in society isn't to difficult of a concept so long as you understand simply how to conduct yourself in a respectful manner.

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