How to Sign "Trans"

To sign 'trans' or 'transgender', start with your dominant hand open, fingers spread slightly, and your palm facing your chest on your non-dominant side. Sweep your hand across your chest to your dominant side. As your hand moves, close your fingers together to form a flattened 'O' or an 'A' handshape by the time it reaches the other side.

Examples Using "Trans" in a Sentence

1

He is a trans man.

Point to the person to sign 'he', then perform the sweeping sign for 'trans', and finish with the sign for 'man'. Ensure the 'trans' sign fully closes by the end of the movement.

2

She is active in the trans community.

Sign 'she', 'active', 'trans', and 'community'. The smooth transition of the handshape across the chest in 'trans' helps clearly establish the topic before signing 'community'.

3

Trans rights are human rights.

Sign 'trans', 'rights', 'same', 'human', and 'rights'. Emphasize the 'trans' sign by making the sweeping motion deliberate and clear at the beginning of the sentence.

How to Sign "Trans"
To sign 'trans' or 'transgender', start with your dominant hand open, fingers spread slightly, and your palm facing your chest on your non-dominant side. Sweep your hand across your chest to your dominant side. As your hand moves, close your fingers together to form a flattened 'O' or an 'A' handshape by the time it reaches the other side.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign visually represents the concept of transition, crossing over, or moving from one state to another. The sweeping movement from one side of the chest to the other, combined with the changing handshape, symbolizes a personal journey and change.
Signing Tips
Focus on the smooth transition of the handshape. The movement across the chest and the closing of the fingers should happen simultaneously, not as two separate, jerky steps. Keep your palm facing inward toward your body throughout the entire motion.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is starting the sign on the dominant side of the chest instead of the non-dominant side, which makes the sweeping motion awkward. Another error is failing to close the hand completely by the end of the movement, making it look like a generic gesture.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Trans" in a Sentence
1

He is a trans man.

Point to the person to sign 'he', then perform the sweeping sign for 'trans', and finish with the sign for 'man'. Ensure the 'trans' sign fully closes by the end of the movement.

2

She is active in the trans community.

Sign 'she', 'active', 'trans', and 'community'. The smooth transition of the handshape across the chest in 'trans' helps clearly establish the topic before signing 'community'.

3

Trans rights are human rights.

Sign 'trans', 'rights', 'same', 'human', and 'rights'. Emphasize the 'trans' sign by making the sweeping motion deliberate and clear at the beginning of the sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions
Does this sign mean both 'trans' and 'transgender'?

Yes, this sign is used interchangeably for both 'trans' and 'transgender'. It is the standard, widely accepted sign in the Deaf LGBTQ+ community for this concept.

Do I have to touch my chest while making this sign?

You do not need to make firm contact with your chest. Your hand can lightly brush against your clothing or hover just an inch or two away from your body as it sweeps across.

Can I use my left hand if I am left-handed?

Absolutely! If you are left-handed, start with your open left hand on the right side of your chest and sweep it across to the left side, closing the handshape as you go.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!