Identity and Terminology

The mission of Project L.U.N.A. is to empower individuals to make a positive impact in their communities through volunteerism. 

Transgender (often shortened to trans) is a term used to describe a person whose gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.

For example:

• Someone assigned female at birth but who identifies as a man may identify as a transgender man.
   
• Someone assigned male at birth but who identifies as a woman may identify as a transgender woman.
   
• Some transgender people identify outside the traditional categories of "man" or "woman" and may use terms like non-binary or genderqueer.
   

Being transgender is about gender identity, who you know yourself to be, not about physical appearance, medical transition, or sexual orientation.

 Gender non-conforming refers to people whose gender expression doesn't follow traditional or societal expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth.

This might include:

• The way someone dresses, speaks, or acts.
   
• Not identifying strictly as "masculine" or "feminine."
   
• Rejecting or blending gender norms altogether.
   

Gender non-conforming people may be cisgender, transgender, non-binary, or identify in other ways. It’s a broad term that recognizes the diversity of how people express their gender.

Intersex describes a person who is born with physical sex characteristics—such as chromosomes, hormones, or reproductive anatomy—that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female bodies. This can include variations in genitalia, internal organs, or hormone levels.

Intersex traits are natural and can be noticed at birth or later in life. Being intersex is about biological diversity and is separate from a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation.