Building a Fair Wisconsin
Learn more about some of the issues we’re working on:
- » Protecting LGBT Couples: Learn about Wisconsin’s new Domestic Partnership protections and how Fair Wisconsin is working toward marriage equality.
- » Supporting Gender Identity & Expression: Find out more about Gender Identity and Expression, Wisconsin's discrimination laws, and how Fair Wisconsin is working toward change.
- » Focusing on Children & Families: Find state and local resources for LGBT families, learn about current issues, and find out what you can do to help.
Definitions
WHAT DOES GENDER IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION MEAN?
Gender identity is one’s internal, personal sense of being a man or a woman (or a boy or a girl). For transgender people, their birth-assigned sex and their own internal sense
of gender identity do not match.
Gender expression is the external manifestation of one’s gender identity, usually expressed through “masculine,” “feminine” or gender-variant behavior, clothing, haircut, voice or body characteristics. Typically, transgender people seek to make their gender expression match their gender identity, rather than their birth-assigned sex.
Gender identity and sexual orientation are not the same. Transgender people may be straight, lesbian, gay or bisexual. For example, a man who transitions from male to female and is attracted to other women would be identified as a lesbian or a gay woman.
-GLAAD Media Reference Guide, 8th edition