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The process by which transgender people change their physical characteristics from those associated with the sex assigned to them at birth. It occurs over time and may include the following: adopting the aesthetic markers of the new gender, such as makeup or facial hair; telling one’s family, friends and/or coworkers; changing one’s name and/or sex on legal documents; hormone therapy; and surgery or other body modification procedures. Mention a person’s gender transition in a story, and its details, only when relevant. Avoid the obsolete term sex change. Not synonymous with gender confirmation/affirmation or sexual reassignment.

Updated December 2021