Why It's 'Transgender' Not 'Transgendered'

The word “transgender” has only recently come into widespread usage, largely as a result of the firestorm over state laws restricting which bathrooms transgender people should use. Assistant professor K.J. Rawson explains the word’s history, and tells Here & Now’s Robin Young why the proper use is “transgender,” not “transgendered” — because “transgender” is something you are, not something you do.

Guest

• K.J. Rawson, assistant professor at College of the Holy Cross, who is compiling a Digital Transgender Archive. He tweets @KJRawson.

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