What does transgender and transsexual terms mean and why was Robbie Williams’ X Factor comment considered transphobic?
The issue of gender identity in its myriad of forms can be a complex area with people identifying in many different ways, so here's a brief guide to some of the key terms
WHEN it comes to gender identity there are a whole host of terms that activists acknowledge.
But a key notion is respect, as campaigner Jane Fae stated: "Ask politely, listen to what individuals have to say and respect what they tell you. It's a principle and an approach to life that will take you a long way - and not just with the transgender community."
What does the term transgender mean?
It is generally used as an umbrella term for people who view their gender as being different from the gender they were born with.
Gender in this sense is more than mere chromosomes but an internal sense of self being either male or female, or even some fluid sense that doesn’t fully fit either category.
Gender can also be expressed externally through things like clothing, behaviour and body characteristics.
There is no official estimate of the size of the transgender population in the UK but a study by the Gender Identity Research and Education Society, funded by the Home Office, estimated the number to be between 300-500,000.
Helen R Friedman, PhD, a clinical psychologist in St. Louis who specialises in gender identity and transgender issues said: "It takes a lot of courage to buck the culture's norm that gender is binary.
"The truth is, gender does exist on a continuum."
How does this differ from transsexual?
This is a term used by some people who permanently change their bodies, usually, but not always, using hormones or surgery.
But some people who go through this process - known as the ‘transition’ - prefer to be known simply as transgender, rather than transsexual.
What does non-binary mean?
Non-binary people are those who don't feel male or female. They may feel like both or like something in between.
Some don’t relate to gender at all.
Most read in living
Why is Robbie Williams’ X Factor comment considered transphobic?
X Factor judge Robbie Williams has sparked controversy after demanding to know the birth name of a transgender contestant during a broadcast on September 8, 2018.
After listening to the mesmerising performance of 20-year-old Felix, the 44-year-old bizarrely confronted him over his past.
Giving some background about himself, Felix explained: “I’m from Birmingham. I’m currently studying a degree in songwriting and I’m loving every second of it.”
He then said: “I’m kind of here today to prove to people that I’m more than just a transgender guy. We can be, kind of, overlooked, I suppose.”
Robbie, looking a little confused, then bluntly asked: “So when you were born, what was your name?”
Felix responded: “My name was Emily.”
“So when did you know you were Felix?” Robbie continued to probe.
The hopeful said: “In about year nine at school, I told one of my friends that I didn’t really know what it all was.
"It was that point where I was like, for myself more than anything, I was like: ‘I’ve got to kind of be who I am’ and tell people.”
While Robbie applauded the singer’s story – viewers watching at home took offence to his line of questioning and labelled it a form of "transphobia".
Viewers claimed the probing was intrusive, offensive, insensitive and inappropriate, with many applauding the contestant for actually answering Robbie's questions.
“Can’t believe @robbiewilliams just asked Felix Shepard his Deadname so Ignorant,” one angered fan remarked.
“Y I K E S my mum is watching xfactor and Robbie Williams straight up asked a trans person his dead name, which is in no way okay or appropriate, hope felix is okay,” agreed another.
One blasted Robbie for bringing up the subject: “On national tv in front of thousands of people. Yeah if you're comfortable yeah all for that. Was just put on the spot and expected to answer. Once again props to Felix for replying.”
Another outraged viewer commented: “Tell me why Robbie Williams asked Felix the trans guy on x factor what his name was when he was born on national tv?? Like why do people think they're entitled to know this.”