had enacted bans on gender-affirming medical care for youth, affecting over 36% of trans adolescents.

Sexual orientation (who you are attracted to) and gender identity (who you are) are fundamentally different concepts. Melding them into a single political bloc has occasionally led to misunderstandings, where trans issues are mistakenly treated as secondary to gay and lesbian issues.

One of the most visible contributions of the transgender community to mainstream LGBTQ+ culture has been the evolution of language. Terms that were clinical and often offensive have been replaced by community-driven descriptors.

Originating in Harlem, New York, during the late 20th century, the ballroom community was created by Black and Latino trans and queer individuals as a safe haven from racism and transphobia. Houses (like the House of LaBeija or House of Xtravaganza) functioned as surrogate families. The dance forms (voguings), slang, and fashion born in the ballroom scene have heavily influenced global pop culture, music, and mainstream drag.