Concerns an individual’s internal, deeply felt sense of being male, female, a blend of both, or neither.

The most common misconception about the LGBTQ movement is that the fight for gay rights came first, and transgender rights came later as a "complicated add-on." History tells a vastly different story. The modern era of queer liberation—often dated to the late 1960s—was led, defended, and sustained by transgender people, particularly transgender women of color.

However, the "good LGB" phenomenon—where some gay men and lesbians argue for abandoning trans people to gain conservative acceptance—remains a painful, if fringe, reality. This has led to a new level of intra-community debate: Can you be a "good" gay person while supporting policies that harm trans children?

Three years before Stonewall, transgender women and drag queens in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district resisted police harassment, marking one of the first recorded LGBTQ+ uprisings in United States history.

In response, Rivera and Johnson founded in 1970, a radical collective that provided housing and support for homeless trans youth. This act serves as a foundational myth for trans culture: when mainstream gay culture wouldn't fully embrace them, trans people built their own structures of care.

The role of social media has been instrumental in promoting the visibility and recognition of transgender individuals. Platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have provided a space for transgender individuals to share their stories, connect with others, and mobilize around issues affecting their community. Social media has also played a crucial role in raising awareness about transgender issues, with hashtags such as #TransRightsAreHumanRights and #LoveIsLove helping to galvanize support and solidarity.