The word "transgender" has only recently come into widespread usage, largely as a result of the firestorm over state laws restricting which bathrooms transgender people should use. Assistant professor K.J. Rawson explains the word's history, and tells Here & Now's Robin Young why the proper use is "transgender," not "transgendered" — because "transgender" is something you are, not something you do.

Correction:

The media guide mentioned in this interview is distributed by the group GLAAD.

In the interview we mistakenly identified them as Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders; that group calls itself GLAD, and its full name is GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders.

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