Dear tomboy4lyF,

No. Some transgender people might consider themselves tomboys, but they're two different things.

Girls who ignore stereotypes of what is traditionally considered "feminine" are sometimes called tomboys. They might like to play certain sports, work on cars, cut their hair short, or wear clothes that aren't "girly," for example.

People who are transgender may feel like their gender identity doesn't "match" their biological sex. A person might be born with female anatomy but feel and act like a guy, or be born with male anatomy but feel and act like a girl. Some transgender people choose to have sex reassignment surgery to live the role of the gender they identify with, and some don't.

Many teens have questions about sexual identity and gender roles, and that's normal.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.