Gender identity refers to an individual's intrinsic sense of being male, female, a blend of both, or something else entirely. For transgender people, the discrepancy between their gender identity and their assigned sex at birth can lead to significant distress, known as gender dysphoria. This dysphoria underscores the importance of acknowledging and respecting each person's self-identified gender, a core principle within the LGBTQ community. Gender expression, on the other hand, is how individuals manifest their gender identity through behavior, clothing, and other external manifestations. The freedom to express one's gender authentically is a fundamental right that transgender individuals and the broader LGBTQ community advocate for.