Most people have body parts that are consistent with whom they feel they are inside. That means a person with a penis and testicles usually feels inside that he�s male and wants to look and act like a guy. The same is true for a person with a vulva, vagina, and ovaries, who usually feels inside that she is female.

But, some people have body parts that don�t match the way they feel inside. So, a transgender guy, for example, has a penis but inside he feels like a woman. He wants to act and be treated like a woman. That�s called being �transgender.�

People who are transgender may express themselves in different ways. Some people really feel their biology contradicts who they are inside. So they have surgery to change their bodies to match their gender identity.

Others change their looks by taking hormones. And still others decide to change their looks through the way they dress, talk and act.

Lots of people confuse being transgender with being lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Our sexual orientation is about who we�re attracted to sexually and romantically. Being transgender has to do with our gender identity � our sense of being male, female, neither, or a little bit of both.

Because society has a hard time accepting people who are different, you need help to come to terms with your feelings. Try to find people who are �trans-friendly.� This might be both transgender people and people who aren�t. A good place to start exploring your feelings and finding others who you can talk to is at www.transproud.com and www.youthresource.com.

You�ll see that you are not alone and that there are places to find the support you need to accept and celebrate who you are.