Gender

Gender is a complex topic with many different aspects. Apart from biological sex characteristics, there are cultural and social aspects that we attribute to gender. Every person has their own gender identity and a unique way of expressing it.

When a person is born, we systematically assign them to a binary gender (female or male) based on their genitalia. In the course of life, each person discovers their own individual gender identity.

Who is trans?

Trans and non-binary people are assigned a gender at birth that does not or only partially corresponds to their gender identity. People whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth are cisgender.

Some trans people are women, some are men and some are non-binary. Their gender identity does not fit exclusively into the binary categories of man or woman. You can’t tell a person’s gender identity by looking at them.

Other terms used for this are, for example, “transgender” or “transidentity”. The word “transsexual” is outdated and is no longer used. Being trans is not a disease.

Trans should not be confused with drag, which is about performing a stage role in the opposite gender. This has nothing to do with personal gender identity; it’s a socio-critical exploration of gender roles.

Transition

Some trans people undergo a transition. They may, for instance:

• come out to their friends and family
• use a new name and new pronouns
• change their name and/or gender in official documents
• undergo hormone therapy
• undergo various operations

There is no right or wrong way to be trans. Every trans person finds their own way. 

Supporting trans people

Even though discrimination against trans people has decreased, they are still discriminated against in almost all areas of life.

The greatest support you can offer trans people around you is to address them by their correct names and pronouns and to take them as they are. Trans people are whole people with many facets. The better you inform yourself, the better you can be an ally of trans people. More information is available, for example, from the Transgender Network Switzerland.

Trans and sexual health

Being trans refers solely to gender identity. A trans person can have any sexual orientation. Sometimes sexual orientation and/or sexual preferences change in the course of a transition.

Being trans is great. Nevertheless, discrimination and stigma can have a negative impact on the sexuality and health of trans people. The Swiss AIDS Federation is committed to promoting equality for trans people.

Information on the sexual health of trans people can be found at drgay.ch. 

Support for trans people

Trans people can receive counselling and testing at specialised counselling and testing centres.

Trans people in Switzerland can access information and recommendations as well as individual counselling from the Transgender Network Switzerland.

Trans people experiencing financial hardship can contact the Trans Safety Emergency Fund.