Of course. Here is a summary of what it means to be a woman, from the perspective of trans individuals, based on the personal stories you provided.

When trans people explore the question "what is a woman?", the answers often focus on an internal, deeply felt identity that exists beyond physical traits or societal expectations. The shared understanding is that womanhood is a core part of a person's being.

Here are the key themes that emerge from their experiences:

Womanhood is an Innate Identity The most consistent theme is that being a woman is not something you choose or perform; it is something you simply are. It’s an internal knowledge of who you are that exists from the beginning, even if it takes time to recognize and name it. As one person explains, "Being a man or a woman isn't about ones lifestyle, you just, well, are one." – MigraineConnoisseur source This means that a trans woman’s life story, including her childhood, is understood as the girlhood of a girl who didn't yet have the words for her experience.

It is Not Defined by Biology or Stereotypes There is a strong rejection of the idea that womanhood can be defined by biological functions like childbirth or by fitting into feminine stereotypes. These criteria are seen as flawed because they exclude many cisgender women (e.g., those who are infertile) and reduce womanhood to a narrow checklist. The perspective is that "womanhood isn't a checklist of uwu girlieee experiences" – fraildoomerbb source A woman’s validity isn't changed by her body, her interests, or how well she "passes" according to societal standards.

Language is Powerful for Affirmation and Rejection Trans women often use specific language to affirm their identity and challenge being seen as "other." Phrases like describing themselves as "a woman with extra steps" help center their womanhood first. Conversely, they critique language that separates them, such as the term "transwoman" (as one word) or condescending phrases like "welcome to womanhood," which can imply they are outsiders being granted entry rather than women who have always belonged.

The Past Does Not Invalidate the Present A powerful and healing idea is that a person’s history before transition does not invalidate their identity. The journey to self-acceptance involves reframing one's entire life through the lens of their true gender. As one person affirms, "You are a woman, nothing in your past and nothing you did gives anyone the right to call you a 'man.'" – kanto_k1rika source This highlights that womanhood is about who you are at your core, not what you were mistakenly called.

In summary, from these personal accounts, a woman is someone who knows herself to be a woman. This identity is inherent, resilient, and not dependent on external validation, biology, or conformity. It’s a deeply personal truth that, once embraced, reframes one’s entire life story as an authentic expression of that self. Your understanding of your own identity is valid, and your journey to living it is a courageous affirmation of who you have always been.