gender reassignment surgery

noun

plural gender reassignment surgeries

: any of several surgical procedures that a transgender or nonbinary (see nonbinary sense c) person may choose to undergo in order to obtain physical characteristics that align with their gender identity : gender confirmation surgery, gender-affirming surgery

Note: This term is sometimes considered to be offensive in its implication that a transgender or nonbinary person takes on a different gender through surgery, rather than using surgery to align their outward appearance with their gender identity. Gender confirmation surgery and gender-affirming surgery are the preferred terms in the medical and LGBTQ+ communities, and surgery is seen as one of many possible ways to affirm one's gender identity, rather than as an essential part of transitioning (see transition entry 2 sense 2).

"Gender reassignment surgery has recently been changed to gender affirmation surgery. The reason for the change is that trans people's gender never changes before or after surgery," [Faye] Lynn explains. "The physical changes through surgeries are to affirm that one correct gender. For example, in my case, currently—before surgery—my gender is female. Once I get my surgery, that gender is not going to be 'reassigned' to something else. Instead, it will be affirmed."

—Wendy Donahue

Examples of gender reassignment surgery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a statement released by her office after the bill was signed, Reynolds – a Republican and first woman to hold the governor's office in Iowa — said the Civil Rights Code blurred the biological line between the sexes and forced Iowa taxpayers to pay for gender reassignment surgeries. —CBS News, 28 Feb. 2025

The movie, about a drug lord seeking gender reassignment surgery, stars Karla Sofía Gascón and Zoe Saldaña – both nominated for their roles – along with Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz. —Dan Heching, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025

The Center Square has previously uncovered that the top surgical provider for underage gender reassignment surgeries had been fined $5 million by the AGO for deceptive business practices. —Tj Martinell | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 16 Feb. 2025

The bill prohibits doctors from prescribing hormones, puberty blockers or gender reassignment surgery before patients turn 18 and requires mental health providers to get parental permission to diagnose and treat gender dysphoria. —Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024

Gascón was nominated for best actress for her performance in the Netflix musical/crime drama about a drug lord seeking gender reassignment surgery. —Lisa Respers France, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025

Previously, players were expected to have transitioned via gender reassignment surgery and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

Trump ran millions of dollars in TV ads blasting Harris over transgender issues, such as who should be allowed to play on girls sports teams and whether the government should allow or pay for gender reassignment surgery. —Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024

The film’s director and writer, French helmer Jacques Audiard, wanted name talent from Mexico because that’s the main setting for his Spanish-language musical drama about a cartel leader undergoing gender reassignment surgery. —Whitney Friedlander, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for gender reassignment surgery

• cryosurgery
• microsurgery
• neurosurgery
• psychosurgery
• perjury
• radiosurgery

Medical Definition

gender reassignment surgery

noun

: any of several surgical procedures that a transgender or nonbinary person may choose to undergo in order to obtain physical characteristics that align with their gender identity : gender confirmation surgery, gender-affirming surgery

Note: This term is sometimes considered to be offensive in its implication that a transgender or nonbinary person takes on a different gender through surgery, rather than using surgery to align their outward appearance with their gender identity. Gender confirmation surgery and gender-affirming surgery are the preferred terms in the medical and LGBTQ+ communities, and surgery is seen as one of many possible ways to affirm one's gender identity, rather than as an essential part of transitioning (see transition entry 2).