Final answer:
The term 'transgender' refers to individuals whose gender identity, expression, or behavior does not conform to societal expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. This encompasses a diverse group, and transgender people can have any sexual orientation. It is important to respect each person's self-identified gender.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for individuals whose gender identity, gender expression, or behavior does not conform to what is typically associated with the sex they are assigned at birth is transgender. Transgender is an umbrella term encompassing a diverse array of identities and experiences, including those who transition from the sex they were assigned at birth and those whose gender expression differs from societal expectations. It's important to note that being transgender is not related to sexual orientation; transgender people may identify as straight, gay, bisexual, or any other sexual orientation.
Transgender individuals may experience a gender identity that is distinct from the sex on their birth certificates. For instance, a transgender woman is a person who was assigned male at birth but identifies and lives as a woman. Conversely, a transgender man was assigned female at birth but identifies and lives as a man. Some people may also identify as genderqueer or non-binary, terms which indicate a gender identity that does not fit within the traditional categories of male or female.
It's crucial to respect and affirm each person's self-identified gender, which can positively impact their well-being and mental health, as improper terminology or assigning a disorder to these identities can be considered offensive by gender-variant people.