Language shapes how we understand identity, power, and who is seen as “real.”

The terms “transgender” and “identify as” are often treated as affirming or respectful. They are not. These terms are transphobic because they:

• reinforce the harmful idea that “gender” is a real, natural category

• frame identity as a choice instead of a truth

• uphold systems used to police, control, and punish people

The concept of “gender” is not neutral. It is an imposed, social construct used to control bodies and minds, especially those of trans, non binary and many more non cis folx. When we keep centering “gender,” we keep centering the system that harms people.

This article names why these terms are harmful and what to say instead.

Why “Gender” Itself Is the Problem

“Gender” is often presented as something natural, fixed, and obvious. It is not.

“Gender” is:

• a constructed system created and enforced by institutions, religions, colonization, and white supremacy

• a tool used to control bodies and behavior

• a way to enforce power hierarchies about who is allowed to exist, be safe, have autonomy, and be believed

When identity is forced into “gender” categories, the system gets to decide:

• who counts as “normal”

• whose identity is questioned

• whose body is policed

• whose existence is punished

For trans, non binary and many more non cis folx, this system is violent.

Continuing to center “gender” as if it’s real and neutral reinforces the same structure that harms people.

Why the Word “Transgender” Is Transphobic

The word “transgender” is often presented as respectful. It’s not.

It is harmful because:

• It keeps “gender” at the center, reinforcing the idea that these categories are real and natural instead of constructed and weaponized.

• It treats trans identity as something that exists because of “gender,” instead of honoring identity as real on its own.

• It keeps people trapped inside a system where identity must be measured, compared, and validated against “gender” norms.

Saying someone is “transgender” ties them back to the very construct that is used to erase and punish them.

Using trans (as an adjective) instead of “transgender” helps decenter “gender” and recenters identity.

Why “Identify As” Is Transphobic

Saying someone “identifies as” trans, non binary, or any non cis identity is not neutral.

It is transphobic because it:

• implies identity is a choice or a preference, not a truth

• suggests there is a “real” identity underneath, and what the person says is just how they “identify” on top of it

• leaves room for doubt, debate, and questioning — as if someone’s existence is up for discussion

• supports systems that treat trans, non binary and non cis identity as temporary, unstable, or less valid

You do not “identify as” yourself.

You are yourself.

“Identify as” separates people from their own identity and makes identity sound like an opinion, costume, or belief instead of reality.

What Respectful, Non-Transphobic Language Can Be

Instead of:

• “They are a transgender”

• “They identify as trans/non binary”

• “They identify as [identity]”

Use:

• “They are trans.”

• “They are non binary.”

• “They are a non cis person.”

• “They are [the words they use for themselves].”

And:

• Use the exact words people choose for their identity.

• Use their name and pronoun without adding “identifies as” before it.

Identity is not a claim.

It is a reality.

Why This Matters for Trans, Non Binary & Many More Non Cis Folx

Language is not just talk. It:

• shapes who is believed

• influences access to care, safety, and resources

• affects mental health, belonging, and autonomy

• either reinforces or resists systems used to control people

Using “transgender” and “identify as” keeps identity tied to a system meant to regulate and punish.

Replacing them with trans, non binary, non cis, or many more self-defined words helps:

• affirm identity as truth

• resist cis supremacy and white supremacy

• reduce opportunities for people to question or debate someone’s existence

• support trans, non binary and many more non cis folx in being seen as who they are — without disclaimer or distance

If You’re a Provider, Ally or Community Member — What You Can Do

• Stop using “transgender” as your default word. Use trans instead, unless someone explicitly asks for another term.

• Completely stop saying people “identify as” anything. Say they are.

• When talking about groups, use “trans, non binary and many more non cis folx” or the language those communities use.

• Examine your forms, websites, intakes, policies, documents — remove “identify as” wherever possible.

• Trust when people tell you what words feel harmful and what words feel right.

• Remember: changing your language is not the harm. Refusing to change is.

Identity Is Real. “Gender” Is the Construct.

The terms “transgender” and “identify as” are not harmless.

They are transphobic because they:

• keep “gender” — a harmful, weaponized construct — at the center

• frame identity as a choice, preference, or claim

• support systems that control, question, and punish trans, non binary and many more non cis folx

Identity is not constructed by “gender.”

“Gender” is a construct designed to control identity.

If we are committed to reducing harm and increasing safety, we must:

• drop language that upholds harmful systems

• use words that affirm identity as truth, not opinion

• trust people when they tell us who they are

Language will not save us on its own —

but it can either deepen harm or support healing.

Let’s choose language that supports liberation, not control.

Language shapes how we understand identity, power, and who is seen as “real.”

The terms “transgender” and “identify as” are often treated as affirming or respectful. They are not. These terms are transphobic because they:

• reinforce the harmful idea that “gender” is a real, natural category

• frame identity as a choice instead of a truth

• uphold systems used to police, control, and punish people

The concept of “gender” is not neutral. It is an imposed, social construct used to control bodies and minds, especially those of trans, non binary and many more non cis folx. When we keep centering “gender,” we keep centering the system that harms people.

This article names why these terms are harmful and what to say instead.

Why “Gender” Itself Is the Problem

“Gender” is often presented as something natural, fixed, and obvious. It is not.

“Gender” is:

• a constructed system created and enforced by institutions, religions, colonization, and white supremacy

• a tool used to control bodies and behavior

• a way to enforce power hierarchies about who is allowed to exist, be safe, have autonomy, and be believed

When identity is forced into “gender” categories, the system gets to decide:

• who counts as “normal”

• whose identity is questioned

• whose body is policed

• whose existence is punished

For trans, non binary and many more non cis folx, this system is violent.

Continuing to center “gender” as if it’s real and neutral reinforces the same structure that harms people.

Why the Word “Transgender” Is Transphobic

The word “transgender” is often presented as respectful. It’s not.

It is harmful because:

• It keeps “gender” at the center, reinforcing the idea that these categories are real and natural instead of constructed and weaponized.

• It treats trans identity as something that exists because of “gender,” instead of honoring identity as real on its own.

• It keeps people trapped inside a system where identity must be measured, compared, and validated against “gender” norms.

Saying someone is “transgender” ties them back to the very construct that is used to erase and punish them.

Using trans (as an adjective) instead of “transgender” helps decenter “gender” and recenters identity.

Why “Identify As” Is Transphobic

Saying someone “identifies as” trans, non binary, or any non cis identity is not neutral.

It is transphobic because it:

• implies identity is a choice or a preference, not a truth

• suggests there is a “real” identity underneath, and what the person says is just how they “identify” on top of it

• leaves room for doubt, debate, and questioning — as if someone’s existence is up for discussion

• supports systems that treat trans, non binary and non cis identity as temporary, unstable, or less valid

You do not “identify as” yourself.

You are yourself.

“Identify as” separates people from their own identity and makes identity sound like an opinion, costume, or belief instead of reality.

What Respectful, Non-Transphobic Language Can Be

Instead of:

• “They are a transgender”

• “They identify as trans/non binary”

• “They identify as [identity]”

Use:

• “They are trans.”

• “They are non binary.”

• “They are a non cis person.”

• “They are [the words they use for themselves].”

And:

• Use the exact words people choose for their identity.

• Use their name and pronoun without adding “identifies as” before it.

Identity is not a claim.

It is a reality.

Why This Matters for Trans, Non Binary & Many More Non Cis Folx

Language is not just talk. It:

• shapes who is believed

• influences access to care, safety, and resources

• affects mental health, belonging, and autonomy

• either reinforces or resists systems used to control people

Using “transgender” and “identify as” keeps identity tied to a system meant to regulate and punish.

Replacing them with trans, non binary, non cis, or many more self-defined words helps:

• affirm identity as truth

• resist cis supremacy and white supremacy

• reduce opportunities for people to question or debate someone’s existence

• support trans, non binary and many more non cis folx in being seen as who they are — without disclaimer or distance

If You’re a Provider, Ally or Community Member — What You Can Do

• Stop using “transgender” as your default word. Use trans instead, unless someone explicitly asks for another term.

• Completely stop saying people “identify as” anything. Say they are.

• When talking about groups, use “trans, non binary and many more non cis folx” or the language those communities use.

• Examine your forms, websites, intakes, policies, documents — remove “identify as” wherever possible.

• Trust when people tell you what words feel harmful and what words feel right.

• Remember: changing your language is not the harm. Refusing to change is.

Identity Is Real. “Gender” Is the Construct.

The terms “transgender” and “identify as” are not harmless.

They are transphobic because they:

• keep “gender” — a harmful, weaponized construct — at the center

• frame identity as a choice, preference, or claim

• support systems that control, question, and punish trans, non binary and many more non cis folx

Identity is not constructed by “gender.”

“Gender” is a construct designed to control identity.

If we are committed to reducing harm and increasing safety, we must:

• drop language that upholds harmful systems

• use words that affirm identity as truth, not opinion

• trust people when they tell us who they are

Language will not save us on its own —

but it can either deepen harm or support healing.

Let’s choose language that supports liberation, not control.