What is the Difference Between Gay and Transgender?

The main difference between gay and transgender lies in the fact that gay refers to sexual orientation, while transgender refers to gender identity. Here are the key distinctions:

Gay: This term is used to represent men who are attracted to men in a romantic, erotic, and/or emotional sense. It can also be used to describe women who are attracted to women. Sexual orientation varies and is not dependent on gender identity. Additionally, not all men who engage in same-gender sexual behavior identify as gay, and the label should be used with caution.
Transgender: This is an umbrella term for persons whose gender identity or expression (masculine, feminine, other) is different from their sex (male, female) at birth. Gender identity refers to one's internal understanding of one's own gender, while gender expression is a term used to describe people's outward presentation of their gender. Everyone has a gender identity and a sexual orientation, but a person's gender does not determine a person's sexual orientation.

Transgender people may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or none of the above. For example, a transgender person who transitions from male to female and is attracted solely to men would identify as a straight man. It is essential to respect and use the term preferred by the individual when referring to their gender identity or sexual orientation.