Transitioning is the process of taking steps to live as one’s true gender identity. Transitioning is different for each individual and may or may not involve medical interventions like taking hormones or having surgery.
Transitioning could be going by the Lived Name that affirms their gender identity or going by certain pronouns that affirm their gender identity. Transitioning could involve making changes to one’s physical appearance, such as wearing certain clothing, wearing one’s hair in a different style or length, or more complex changes such as medically transitioning through hormones or surgery. Transitioning can also involve changing legal documents to match one’s authentic sense of self.
A trans person’s gender identity is real regardless of their choice to transition or to what extent.