The transgender community encompasses individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. This community includes people who identify as male, female, non-binary, genderqueer, or genderfluid, among other identities. Transgender individuals often face unique challenges, such as gender dysphoria, social stigma, and barriers to healthcare and employment.

: LGBTQ+ identification has reached a new high, with nearly 1 in 10 (9.3%) U.S. adults identifying as part of the community in 2024. Among younger generations (Gen Z), approximately 4% identify as transgender .

Despite shared origins, the relationship between the transgender community and mainstream gay/lesbian culture has been fraught. The late 20th century saw a schism driven by a strategic divergence: