gender reassignment surgery

noun

plural gender reassignment surgeries

: any of several surgical procedures that a transgender or nonbinary (see nonbinary sense c) person may choose to undergo in order to obtain physical characteristics that align with their gender identity : gender confirmation surgery, gender-affirming surgery

Note: This term is sometimes considered to be offensive in its implication that a transgender or nonbinary person takes on a different gender through surgery, rather than using surgery to align their outward appearance with their gender identity. Gender confirmation surgery and gender-affirming surgery are the preferred terms in the medical and LGBTQ+ communities, and surgery is seen as one of many possible ways to affirm one's gender identity, rather than as an essential part of transitioning (see transition entry 2 sense 2).

"Gender reassignment surgery has recently been changed to gender affirmation surgery. The reason for the change is that trans people's gender never changes before or after surgery," [Faye] Lynn explains. "The physical changes through surgeries are to affirm that one correct gender. For example, in my case, currently—before surgery—my gender is female. Once I get my surgery, that gender is not going to be 'reassigned' to something else. Instead, it will be affirmed."

—Wendy Donahue

Examples of gender reassignment surgery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Previously, players were expected to have transitioned via gender reassignment surgery and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

Trump ran millions of dollars in TV ads blasting Harris over transgender issues, such as who should be allowed to play on girls sports teams and whether the government should allow or pay for gender reassignment surgery. —Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024

The film’s director and writer, French helmer Jacques Audiard, wanted name talent from Mexico because that’s the main setting for his Spanish-language musical drama about a cartel leader undergoing gender reassignment surgery. —Whitney Friedlander, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024

The film revolves around lawyer Rita (Saldaña), who helps a crime boss retire from the cartel business and disappear, and also undergo gender reassignment surgery to become the titular character, Emilia Perez. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 Sep. 2024

Other Iranian groups are using artificial intelligence technology to publish content online insulting former president Donald Trump and create inflammatory posts about controversial issues such as gender reassignment surgery, according to the report. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2024

Medical protocols discourage gender reassignment surgery before the age of 18. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024

The document argues that if a person is made in God's image, gender theory and gender reassignment surgery call into question why God would create a person with the wrong gender. —Mansee Khurana, NPR, 9 Apr. 2024

While much of the debate centered on gender reassignment surgery, which is relatively rare for minors, the bills went a step further and included hormone therapy and puberty blockers. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

gender reassignment surgery

noun

: any of several surgical procedures that a transgender or nonbinary person may choose to undergo in order to obtain physical characteristics that align with their gender identity : gender confirmation surgery, gender-affirming surgery

Note: This term is sometimes considered to be offensive in its implication that a transgender or nonbinary person takes on a different gender through surgery, rather than using surgery to align their outward appearance with their gender identity. Gender confirmation surgery and gender-affirming surgery are the preferred terms in the medical and LGBTQ+ communities, and surgery is seen as one of many possible ways to affirm one's gender identity, rather than as an essential part of transitioning (see transition entry 2).