The Transgender Population: Are There More Trans Men or Women?

04/03/2025

Editor:

kirill

Author:

Olha Rybak

Olha Rybak (she/her) is Fiorry’s Chief Editor, where she executes and operates in a writer, editor, and content creator capacity. At university, she studied English language and literature but found she loved psychology almost as much. Olha is an industrious content creator as well as a committed team leader. She says her academic background gives her a unique perspective into the complicated nooks and crannies of human behavior and communication. As a hobby, Olha also translates literature, which she passionately reads and seeks out stories that she’ll be completely absorbed by.

The discourse surrounding transgender identities has gained significant traction in recent years, prompting crucial conversations about gender identity, representation, and rights. As society becomes more aware of diverse gender experiences, understanding the demographics of transgender community has become increasingly relevant. A key question in this discourse is: are there more trans men or women?

Trans women, who transition from male to female (MTF), and trans men, who transition from female to male (FTM), have distinct experiences that reflect broader societal views on gender and sexual orientation. In this article, we will look into the data we have available and explore this complex question by looking at factors that might influence visibility and reporting. Additionally, it will highlight the importance of transgender equality and how perceptions of trans men and women affect their lives in various societal spheres. By examining the demographics of the trans community, we can better understand the nuances of gender identity within the broader context of social justice and inclusivity, paving the way for meaningful dialogue and advocacy for transgender rights.

To adequately engage in discussions about gender identity, it is essential to understand key transgender terminology. “Transgender” is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. This includes trans women, who identify as female yet were assigned male at birth (MTF), and trans men, who identify as male yet were assigned female at birth (FTM).

It’s important to know the difference between biological sex and gender identity. Biological sex is the physical traits—such as chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs—that categorise people as male or female. Can trans women have babies? Read the linked article to find out.

Gender identity, however, is a personal perception of oneself as male, female, both, or none; it is an individual sense of oneself as having male, female, both, or none gender.

Additionally, terms like “men that look like women” and the exploration of gender variance highlight the diversity within the transgender population. Engaging with gender clinics can provide vital mental health support for transgender people, emphasizing the importance of understanding and affirming their identities. As we explore the complexities of transgender population size and experiences, it becomes clear that embracing these terminologies allows for a more compassionate dialogue around the lived experiences of trans men and women.

Understanding the demographics of the transgender population is essential to addressing the question: are there more trans men or women? And a number of studies and surveys have sought to quantify these groups’ size and composition, revealing important information about how many people comprise them and what their experiences have been.

According to a 2021 report from the Williams Institute, approximately 1.6 million adults in the United States identify as transgender. This report also indicated that trans women slightly outnumber trans men, with about 50.8% identifying as trans women and 49.2% as trans men. This data illustrates an almost even split but presents a marginally higher number of trans women within the overall trans population.

Another reliable source of data comes from the National Center for Transgender Equality’s 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, which revealed that 47% of respondents identified as trans women, while 23% identified as trans men. This survey highlighted critical issues faced by trans people, including mental health challenges and the need for endocrine treatment, which is common among trans men and women undergoing hormone therapy to align their physical appearance with their gender identity.

Nevertheless, it’s difficult to collect data on transgender populations. Self-reported responses are used in many studies, and underreporting is common for marginalized or non-binary people. Social stigma also renders the reliability of data next to impossible, as some people simply can’t relieve the pressure to admit their transgender identity in surveys.

Furthermore, societal trends indicate that more young people identify as transgender than in previous generations. According to a 2020 Gallup poll, around 5.6% of Generation Z adults (those aged 18–23) identify as transgender or gender non-conforming, pointing to an increasing acceptance and visibility of trans identities among younger demographics.

In conclusion, while data suggests that there are slightly more trans women than trans men, the figures remain relatively close. That is, to provide an accurate understanding of transgender populations, and continuous efforts to improve data collection methods and ensure privacy will be important. These insights not only determine the path of public policy and health access for trans people but also work to highlight the specific struggles trans folk navigate.

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Alok Vaid-Menon

There’s magic in being seen by people who understand—it gives you permission to keep going

Trans women and Trans Men: Visibility Factors

A plethora of societal factors contribute to the visibility of trans people as we know it. But cultural perceptions matter a lot—in many societies, traditional gender norms often work to marginalize transgender identities, and thus we have fewer representations of trans women and trans men in media and public life. This lack of visibility can create an environment in which transgender people—whether they identify as transgender woman, transgender man, or in other ways—feel unrecognized and unsupported.

Visibility gets further complicated by social dynamics. For instance, the stigmatization of boys who express gender variance can discourage authentic self-expression, potentially leading to a decreased likelihood of folks identifying as transgender. Additionally, there is also a lot of narratives about trans men vs. trans women that overshadow the specific challenges that these groups are facing, which in turn, either influences research or data collection for these groups.

Reporting is also impacted by legal frameworks—people are less likely to disclose their gender identity in areas where transgender rights are not a reality because of fear of discrimination or negative consequences. This can result in significant underreporting on statistics tied to transgender populations, and we will never know the size and needs of these communities.

Safe online spaces cannot be ignored. Trans dating apps, such as Fiorry, create vital opportunities for connection and community for transgender people. Open discussions about experiences and support as well as identity become visible and thus represented through these safe havens that also encourage. These environments help transgender people feel less afraid to tell their stories and feel a little more at home and less misunderstood.

Key Influences on Visibility and Reporting:

• Cultural perceptions and traditional gender norms
• Stigmatization of boys expressing gender variance
• Transgender rights as they are affected by legal frameworks

Improving data accuracy and building a more supportive society for transgender people requires that we address these factors.

Related: If you’re in the process of transitioning and looking for names that would suit your personality. We have a guide that covers some common transgender names for you 

Perception in Public

Data and media representation significantly shape societal views regarding transgender people, influencing public perceptions of trans females and trans males alike. They can even represent these in the positive light, challenge these stereotypes, and help in understanding. However, many media narratives still perpetuate misconceptions, such as equating a woman’s body solely with biological characteristics, leading to confusion about what it means to be a transgender woman.

More often, transgender women have been stereotyped as only those who “look like a woman” without taking into account their gender dysphoria, individual lives of identity, and transition. Moreover, many just look at the benefits of dating a trans woman without taking their feelings into account. Case in point—trans chasers. 

Similarly, guys and transgender children who transition to become trans men frequently face assumptions about their masculinity that may not correspond with their lived experiences.

Moreover, trans dating platforms like the Fiorry provide spaces for transgender people to express themselves authentically, yet societal misconceptions continue to influence how users engage on such platforms. To address questions like “how many trans women” are in specific communities, it is crucial to rely on accurate data that reflects their experiences, particularly concerning those who are fully transitioned. More importantly, we ultimately need to challenge stereotypes and increase media representation for trans populations that have a wider understanding of the concept in society.

It’s important for the whole society to understand and feel empathy about what it’s like to be transgender. As discussions about gender identity evolve, it becomes increasingly important to highlight more trans women and men stories, particularly as we seek to understand why there are more trans women than trans men in some contexts.

Trans people’s stories—such as those of men who live as women or women who transition to become men—offer valuable insights into the complexities of gender identity. By spotlighting underrepresented trans voices, we challenge the dominant narratives that often overlook the experiences of many transgender patients.

Exploring the journeys of those who have transitioned, including men becoming women and women to men, further enriches our understanding of the spectrum of transgender identities. It also sheds light on the question of “how many adults” identify as transgender in today’s society, emphasizing the need for inclusive data collection methods.

When we embrace the full range of experiences related to more trans women, we break down stereotypes and foster a society that recognizes and validates all identities. It’s not only empowering trans people, but it’s also educating the public so that the public can be accepting and supportive of the larger transgender community.

Insights from trans communities reveal a rich tapestry of experiences that highlight the diversity within the transgender population. Many members share personal stories that illustrate their journeys, often pointing out that compared to women, men are more likely to encounter specific social challenges, including underrepresentation in media and healthcare. These narratives provide valuable context to the ongoing discussion about whether there are more trans people in society.

As transgender rates increase, more women and men of all ages feel empowered to express their identities openly, leading to a greater visibility of the diverse experiences within these communities. For example, some trans men and women share their unique narratives about transitioning, facing discrimination, or finding acceptance. Personal testimonies emphasize that while data may suggest a higher prevalence of trans women, individual experiences vary, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and respecting each person’s journey.

Community events, online forums, and support groups also serve as platforms for sharing these stories about women transitioning to men, fostering a sense of belonging among members. By embracing and amplifying diverse perspectives, the transgender community not only challenges societal misconceptions but also encourages understanding and acceptance from the larger public. These shared experiences are vital for promoting allyship and advocating for the rights and recognition of all transgender people.

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Olena Kosonogova

Community acceptance is essential for people to fully embrace their identities. When we foster a supportive environment, we empower everyone to thrive and live authentically

Finally, we explored the question: are there more trans men or women? But data also reveals that there is a slightly higher number of trans women, but that the transgender community is diverse and multifaceted. Both trans men (women transitioning to men) and trans women have unique experiences, and insights from personal stories provide an understanding of central aspects of being trans, including transition, visibility, and acceptance. As awareness of transgender identities becomes more popular, understanding the complexity of these journeys is crucial for fostering empathy and support within society. If we celebrate and elevate all of these various perspectives, we can come closer to creating a more inclusive space that acknowledges and supports everyone’s trans identity.