Based on the personal accounts and reflections shared by trans women, the question of whether trans women are biological women is deeply tied to how one defines "biological." Here are the key themes that emerge from their experiences:
Biology Is More Than Chromosomes or Anatomy
Many trans women emphasize that biology is not a simple binary determined solely by chromosomes or reproductive organs at birth. Hormone therapy (HRT) fundamentally alters their physiological functioning, from fat distribution and skin texture to bone density and even gene expression. As one woman explains, "Hormones, secondary sex characteristics, internal anatomy, external anatomy, and brain structure all play biological roles, and these are all influenced by our medical transition" – ImmediateDamage1 source [citation:5d14f93b-87a7-4187-a263-c38cd932c2d9]. This perspective highlights that biological sex is multifaceted and can change over time.
The Brain Is a Biological Part of Womanhood
Several contributors point to neurology as a core aspect of their identity. They describe having a brain that is "neurologically female," which creates a profound sense of self that conflicts with their assigned sex at birth. One woman notes, "the fact that we feel dysphoria due to the disconnect between brain and body kind of proves our brains are female" – Forsakened_Bia source [citation:6530a69e-762c-4ca6-9c17-bb0a1004b51c]. This internal experience is seen not as a social choice, but as a biological reality.
Comparisons to Cis Women Validate Their Experience
Trans women often draw parallels between their bodies and those of cisgender women with conditions like MRKH (absence of a uterus) or PCOS (which can cause elevated testosterone). These comparisons show that there is natural variation in what constitutes a "female" body. One person observes, "There are cis women born without a uterus/ovaries and so on but we don't exclude them from the label of female" – Forsakened_Bia source [citation:3f170fea-9b81-4f21-a87c-7890aebafc35]. This reinforces the idea that being a woman isn’t defined by one specific biological trait.
The Harm in "Biological Male" as a Label
Many express that the term "biologically male" is reductive and hurtful, as it ignores the complexity of their lived experience and the changes they undergo. It’s often used to invalidate their identity rather than to describe reality. One woman states, "Claiming that trans women are 'Biologically male' is a transphobe dog whistle!" – Kass-Is-Here92 source [citation:f44cace8-cec6-4f5e-8a99-3b74128d1b8b]. For them, acknowledging the full scope of their biology is essential to respect and inclusion.
Identity and Biology Are Intertwined
For trans women, the journey isn’t just about social transition—it’s about aligning their body with their deeply felt sense of self. As one shares, "biologically female entails that the genes expressed in a body align with that present in a given female body" – JustWantGoodM3M3s source [citation:e0374fd7-fd42-49c8-96d5-b9eace27ee1d]. Their identity isn’t separate from their biology; rather, it’s reflected in it.
In summary, trans women see themselves as biological women because their understanding of biology includes hormones, neurology, lived experience, and bodily changes—not just chromosomes or birth anatomy. Their stories affirm that identity is complex, compassionate, and deeply personal. You are not alone in questioning or exploring these ideas, and your truth is valid.