What is Third Gender: Learn Everything About It

Transgender, third gender, or no gender are terms we hear often. But most of us are unaware of the meaning because feels comfortable discussing this. Today we are here to break this stereotypical thinking and will explain everything about transgender. 

Explaining Transgender

When a child is born, the doctor usually differentiates the baby based on the body structure or genitals. Most people who are labelled male at birth turn out as men, and females who were labelled female at birth grow up to be women. But sometimes, it happens that people are different from who they were born. These people are described as transgender or third gender. 

Third gender is a term used to describe people whose gender identity does not match the sex of male and female. Simply put, a person who does not fall under either the male or female category is called transgender. 

Differences Between Male And Female Transgenders 

A transgender woman is a woman today but was male when born. Similarly, a transgender male is a male today, but initially, he was female when born. There are cases where some transgender people identify as neither male nor female or as a combination of male or female, and they are called non-binary and genderqueer. 

Being transgender means there is a lot of difference compared to a normal person, such as walking, talking, and body structure, from which it is easy to identify who you are. But sometimes, people who are experiencing the changes themselves do not have any idea what they are going through. So how to identify whether you are a third gender or not? Learn in the next section. 

How Does Someone Know That They Are Transgender?

People can realise that they are transgender at any age. But some take years to realise this feeling that they do not fit in either of the two primary genders because they may try to avoid thinking or talking about their gender out of fear, shame, or confusion. A few people also never understand their feelings, whether they are trans or third gender. So here are major signs to know you are transgender. 

1. The way you are dressed 

Well, it is normal for parents to dress up their children the way they want, but things are more concerning if they take it too seriously and start making it their choice. If you love to dress like the opposite gender, there are chances that you do not fit in the assigned gender.

2. Referring to yourself as the opposite gender

Notice the way you talk and mention yourself. Most transgenders mention themselves as the opposite gender, which is one of the signs of being the third gender. 

3. Not interested in activities related to your gender

The kind of games and activities you prefer tell much about your feelings. Well, it is completely normal for girls to play with a bat & ball, buses and trucks, but seeing boys playing with dolls seems unusual. Notice if something like this is happening to you. 

4. Not getting the conventional haircut

If you are very particular about keeping a certain haircut that usually does not match your gender, it may be one of the third gender symptoms. 

5. Frustration over your genitals 

According to doctor Diane Ehrensaft, a kid specialist, a child who is uncomfortable and gets irritated with their genitals can be transgender. Their irritation is one of the third gender symptoms.

What is the difference between ‘sex’ and ‘gender’?

Sex and gender are often used interchangeably because people misunderstand the meaning of both terms. It is important to know the right meaning of both terms so that you can use them wisely. 

Sex refers to one’s biological status as either male or female and is primarily associated with physical attributes such as hormone prevalence, external & internal anatomy, and chromosomes. 

Gender refers to the socially constructed umbrella based on behaviour, activities, and attributes, such as boy or man and girl or woman. 

You may find us diverted from the topic, but the aim besides differentiating ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ is to give more clarity on transgenders or the third gender.

Is being a third gender a mental disorder?

Absolutely not! Being transgender is completely normal until it causes significant distress or disability. Many people do not understand what they are going through; at that time, they can feel uncomfortable and may require counselling, hormone therapy, medical procedure, and social support. 

Sometimes transgender may lead to obstacles like a lack of acceptance in society and direct and indirect experiences with discrimination. These experiences may lead many transgender people to suffer from anxiety, depression, and related disorders at a higher rate than non-transgenders.

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Why the third gender form?

The third gender is formed due to biological factors, especially hormones, which are different in relation to biology and sexual orientation. But sometimes, environmental factors have also been proposed for transgender people.

If you or your children are experiencing any third gender symptoms, educate yourself. Read books, attend conferences, and consult with transgender experts. Analyse your attitude and behaviour to know what is happening inside and outside you. 

Do you have some knowledge of the third gender? If yes, do not hesitate to share with us. With this article, we want to educate our readers and spread awareness of the third gender.