: In Western history, many individuals lived as a different gender to navigate societal restrictions. For example, Anastasia the Patrician (d. 576) lived for decades as a male monk in seclusion and is today regarded by some as a transgender saint. The 20th Century: From Medicine to Activism

: Always use a person’s current name and pronouns, even when referring to their past [13, 15]. Lived Name vs. Preferred Name

Coined by Time magazine in 2014 when featuring actress Laverne Cox on its cover, this era marked a surge in mainstream visibility and awareness.

Access to knowledgeable, respectful, and affordable gender-affirming care remains a major barrier. Transgender individuals experience higher rates of discrimination from medical providers, leading to delayed or avoided treatment.