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To be transfemme means that you identify with femininity, but you don’t necessarily identify as a woman.Savannah Cole, MS, MBA, LMFT tells us that “people who identify as trans femme are usually, but not exclusively those who are AMAB (assigned male at birth) who seek to present femininely, identify as more female than male, or have a desire to transition to look more feminine.”
You may confused about how being transfemme is different from being a trans woman, or not completely understand who might use this identity label. Ahead, we will discuss what it means to be transfemme so that you can be fully clear about what this word means.
Uses of the Term ‘Transfemme’
The term transfemme acknowledges both that a person leans feminine and that they fall under the identity umbrella of beingtransgender.
There is no set way to be transfemme. Someone with this identity may transition to being a woman, or they may not.
History of the Term ‘Transfemme’
In it, Nance discusses not resonating with the terms in use at that time and suggested that “do we need another term or category to cover my particular reality? Maybe! Could it be ‘transfeminine’ (a male who feels like a female, strictly undefined in relation to any issue of an operation) - perhaps!”
Wikimedia Commons
How Do Gender Roles Influence This Term?
Gender roles have changed over time, and are becoming progressively less important as society changes. However, they do still play a large part in our perceptions of how others will behave, think, or express themselves.
The biggest way that gender roles influence the use of the term transfemme is that people automatically assume someone who identifies as femme will express their gender in a feminine way. This is aheteronormativeconcept. That’s because there are countless ways to express one’s gender. While it’s common for a person’s expression to reflect their identity, that isn’t always the case.
Cole tells us that “gender roles in western culture have undoubtedly influenced the term trans femme.” They note that “at first glance, one may assume because it says ‘femme’ that only transgender females fall under this umbrella due to gender stereotypes, yet this is far from the truth.” Plenty of other people under the trans umbrella may be transfemme. They add that “trans women, trans men, nonbinary and genderfluid people can all identify as trans femme.”
It’s important to remember that there are no set rules about how identity interacts with expression. If a person identifies as transfemme but does not seem traditionally feminine or womanly to you, there is nothing wrong with that. Think of all the ways we have moved forward in gender roles from just 50, or even 20, years ago! As times change, so does our understanding of humanity and the infinite ways there are to be human in the world.
What Is the Difference Between a Trans Woman and The Label Transfemme?
Both transfemme and trans woman are gender identity labels, and they may overlap. For example, Johnson says that “trans women can also identify as trans femme.” The main difference is that a transfemme person may or may not also identify as a woman.
TransfemmeSomeone who identifies with femininityTypically a person assigned male at birth (AMAB)May present in a feminine mannerUnder the transgender umbrellaMay transition to becoming a trans woman, or may be one, or may notTrans WomanSomeone who identifies as a womanTypically a person assigned male at birth (AMAB)May present in a feminine mannerUnder the transgender umbrellaIs likely transitioning or has transitioned to womanhood
TransfemmeSomeone who identifies with femininityTypically a person assigned male at birth (AMAB)May present in a feminine mannerUnder the transgender umbrellaMay transition to becoming a trans woman, or may be one, or may not
Someone who identifies with femininity
Typically a person assigned male at birth (AMAB)
May present in a feminine manner
Under the transgender umbrella
May transition to becoming a trans woman, or may be one, or may not
Trans WomanSomeone who identifies as a womanTypically a person assigned male at birth (AMAB)May present in a feminine mannerUnder the transgender umbrellaIs likely transitioning or has transitioned to womanhood
Someone who identifies as a woman
Is likely transitioning or has transitioned to womanhood
How the Term ‘Transfemme’ Compares to Other Terms
There are numerous other terms that are also used for gender identity, that you may have heard in a similar context to the term transfemme. Let’s look at how each is different:
How to Support Transfeminine People
Regardless of how well you feel you personally understand the label of transfemme, it’s important to remember that marginalized people need our support. Trans people face discrimination in many areas of life.While the first step towards supporting others is identifying yourself as an ally, that alone doesn’t help terribly much. As Cole notes, “an ally shouldn’t just self-identify as an ally—they should demonstrate their allyship through action.”
If you see or hear someone misgendering a transfemme person, discriminating against them, or otherwise potentially harming them, speak up. Educating yourself about discrimination is also an excellent step to take. From there, you can take action to help stop it.
If you meet a person who may be transfemme but you aren’t sure, it’s good to keep in mind that soemone may or may not want to discuss their identity with you. Says Cole, “someone’s self-identification is their private info to share or not to share.” Always ask if it’s ok to ask questions before doing so, and if someone doesn’t want to discuss their identity with you, don’t push them.
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Henry C.A brief history of civil rights in the united states.
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