Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Transgender"

Start with your dominant hand open, with your palm facing your chest on the non-dominant side. Sweep your hand horizontally across your chest toward your dominant side. As your hand moves across, smoothly close your fingers into an 'A' handshape, finishing the motion with your hand closed. The movement should be a single, fluid sweep.

Examples Using "Transgender" in a Sentence

1

He is a proud transgender man.

To sign this, point to the person for 'he', sign 'proud' by drawing an 'A' handshape up your chest, sign 'transgender' sweeping across your chest, and finish with the sign for 'man'.

2

I have many transgender friends.

Start by pointing to yourself for 'I', sign 'have', then sign 'many'. Follow this with the sign for 'transgender', and finally sign 'friends' by hooking your index fingers together twice.

3

The transgender community is very welcoming.

Sign 'transgender', then 'community' by sweeping flat hands in a circle. Finish by signing 'welcoming' or 'friendly', using a warm facial expression to convey the positive tone of the sentence.

How to Sign "Transgender"
Start with your dominant hand open, with your palm facing your chest on the non-dominant side. Sweep your hand horizontally across your chest toward your dominant side. As your hand moves across, smoothly close your fingers into an 'A' handshape, finishing the motion with your hand closed. The movement should be a single, fluid sweep.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign relies on iconic motivation to visually represent the concept of a transition or change. The open hand moving across the chest and transforming into a closed 'A' handshape symbolizes the personal journey of transitioning. Its placement over the chest connects the concept to one's internal identity and authentic self.
Signing Tips
Focus on making the movement across your chest smooth and deliberate. The transition from the open handshape to the closed 'A' handshape should happen continuously as your hand sweeps across, rather than snapping closed at the very end. Keep your palm facing inward toward your body throughout the entire sign, and allow your hand to either lightly brush your clothing or hover just an inch away.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake for beginners is moving the hand too far away from the body; remember to keep your hand close to your chest. Another frequent error is starting the sign with a closed handshape instead of an open one. The transition from open to closed is essential, as it visually represents the concept of transitioning.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Transgender" in a Sentence
1

He is a proud transgender man.

To sign this, point to the person for 'he', sign 'proud' by drawing an 'A' handshape up your chest, sign 'transgender' sweeping across your chest, and finish with the sign for 'man'.

2

I have many transgender friends.

Start by pointing to yourself for 'I', sign 'have', then sign 'many'. Follow this with the sign for 'transgender', and finally sign 'friends' by hooking your index fingers together twice.

3

The transgender community is very welcoming.

Sign 'transgender', then 'community' by sweeping flat hands in a circle. Finish by signing 'welcoming' or 'friendly', using a warm facial expression to convey the positive tone of the sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the only sign for transgender?

While there were older, initialized signs used in the past, this sweeping motion across the chest is the most widely accepted, modern, and respectful standard sign used by the Deaf LGBTQ+ community today.

Does it matter which hand I use to sign this?

You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, start the open handshape on the left side of your chest and sweep it across to the right side while closing it. Left-handed signers will do the exact opposite.

Should my hand actually touch my chest during the sign?

Your hand can lightly brush against your shirt or hover just slightly above your chest. Both variations are perfectly acceptable. The most important aspect is keeping the hand close to your body to show that the identity is personal and internal.

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