Transbian
A transbian is a transgender woman who is primarily attracted to women. The term is a portmanteau of trans and lesbian and is sometimes used as a self-identifier within LGBTQ+ communities. It is most commonly used as shorthand for “trans lesbian.”
Some transbians are attracted to both cisgender and transgender women, while others may primarily prefer T4T (trans-for-trans) relationships or transfeminine partners. Because of this, the exact meaning and usage of the term can vary somewhat between individuals and communities.
Some people use the term casually or affectionately within trans community spaces, while others prefer labels like “trans lesbian” or simply “lesbian.”
In general, most people agree that the term should be treated as a self-identifier rather than a universal label. Therefore, it is best not to use the term transbian for anyone who doesn't identify with it themselves.
Origins of the Term
The term transbian appears to have emerged organically within online transgender and lesbian communities in the late 2000s to early 2010s. Google Search data suggests it first started seeing significant online search volume in around 2010.
The term is a portmanteau of trans and lesbian, following a long internet tradition of combining identity labels into shorthand community terms.
Controversy
The term transbian is somewhat controversial within LGBTQ+ communities, especially among transgender lesbians themselves. While some people use the label proudly and affectionately, others dislike it or find it alienating.
One major point of disagreement is whether the term unintentionally “others” transgender lesbians by treating them as separate from lesbians more broadly. Critics sometimes compare it to writing “transwoman” as a single word instead of “trans woman,” arguing that combining the words can make trans women seem like a distinct category rather than simply women who are trans.
Others embrace transbian specifically because it reflects the intersection of their trans and lesbian identities. It may be used as a playful or affectionate community term, a visible expression of queer identity, or a signal of T4T attraction.
Related Terms
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