: The process of changing one's gender presentation or legal status to align with their gender identity. This may include social changes (name and pronouns) and, for some, medical interventions like hormone therapy or surgery.

: An individual who was assigned male at birth but identifies and lives as a woman.

Transgender women face significant systemic barriers and higher rates of vulnerability.

: The term "shemale" is widely considered a derogatory slur and is avoided in respectful, professional, and academic contexts. Standard terms such as "transgender woman" or "trans woman" are preferred. Societal Challenges and Statistics