Difference Between Transfemme and Trans Woman: What to Know
When talking about gender identity and expression, terms matter. Two terms you might hear—transfemme and trans woman—are sometimes used like they mean the same thing. But they don’t always. Understanding the difference between transfemme and trans woman can help you better respect, support, and communicate with people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Let’s break down what each term means and why the distinction is important.
What Does "Trans Woman" Mean?
A trans woman is someone who was assigned male at birth (AMAB) but identifies as a woman. This is a clear, binary gender identity. A trans woman may or may not pursue medical transition, but her identity is female.
This term is widely recognized and used by those who want to be seen and respected simply as women—no qualifiers, no ambiguity.
What Does "Transfemme" Mean?
Transfemme (short for transfeminine) is broader. It usually refers to AMAB people who identify with or express femininity, regardless of whether they identify as women. A transfemme is a person transitioning towards femininity
Someone who identifies as transfemme might be:
A trans woman
A nonbinary person who presents femininely
A genderfluid person leaning feminine
Someone exploring femininity without identifying as a woman
In other words, transfemme is more about gender expression and connection to femininity than a fixed identity.
Key Difference Between Transfemme and Trans Woman
Here’s the bottom line:
Trans woman: A woman who is transgender. It’s a clear identity.
Transfemme: A broader term for anyone AMAB who aligns with femininity, not necessarily identifying as a woman.
All trans women are transfemme, but not all transfemme people are trans women.
Why the Difference Between Transfemme and Trans Woman Matters
Respecting how people identify is foundational. Misusing these terms can lead to misgendering or erasing someone’s experience.
For example:
A nonbinary person who identifies as transfemme may feel invalidated if someone calls them a trans woman.
A trans woman might feel erased if someone reduces her identity to just being transfeminine.
In community spaces, this distinction can shape support groups, activism, and representation. A trans women’s group might focus on issues like womanhood and feminism. A transfemme space might be more inclusive of nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people dealing with similar challenges due to feminine expression.
Social Perception and Visibility
Both transfemme and trans women often experience discrimination, especially transmisogyny—prejudice against those perceived as feminine and transgender. However, visibility varies.
Trans women, particularly Black and brown trans women, are often more visible targets in media and politics. Transfemme individuals who don’t identify as women may not be as visible but face similar stigma and violence because of how they’re perceived.
Understanding the difference helps in recognizing and addressing those unique, yet overlapping, experiences.
Always Ask, Always Respect
If you’re unsure how someone identifies, ask respectfully or follow their lead. Some people use both terms. Others might use one but not the other. The best approach is to honor the labels people use for themselves.
Final Thoughts
The difference between transfemme and trans woman may seem subtle, but it’s meaningful.
“Trans woman” is a specific identity: a woman who is transgender.
“Transfemme” is broader: it includes anyone AMAB who aligns with femininity, regardless of identity.
Both terms are valid. Both deserve to be recognized and respected. Understanding this helps create safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone across the gender spectrum.
At the same time, we know that many transfemme people—whether identifying as women, nonbinary, or genderfluid—seek support in exploring or embracing their femininity.
That’s why we offer:
🌸 Feminization support for transfemme individuals at any stage of their journey
💊 Safe, discreet MTF transition products, including hormone support supplements and skincare
💬 Community-centered guidance rooted in affirmation and care
🎀 Resources for body confidence, style, and expression tailored to transfeminine needs
Whether you’re just starting to explore your gender or you’re actively transitioning, we’re here to support your femininity—your way.