What does it mean to identify as transgender?

Identifying as transgender means that an individual's gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. This definition emphasizes the distinction between biological characteristics and personal gender identity. A transgender person may feel a strong connection to a gender that contrasts with their biological sex, which can manifest in various ways, including but not limited to gender expression, name changes, or seeking medical treatments to align their physical body with their gender identity.

The other options address different concepts. For instance, identifying with a biological gender refers to cisgender individuals, those whose gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth. The notion of keeping the same gender identity throughout life ignores the fluidity many individuals experience regarding their gender identity; people may identify differently at different stages in their lives. Lastly, only dressing in accordance with biological gender describes a societal expectation and does not encompass the broader understanding of gender identity, which is personal and can involve various expressions and identities beyond clothing choices.