To truly understand the culture, one must look at the vibrant subcultures trans people have built, often within or alongside traditional LGBTQ venues.

The modern LGBTQ movement was ignited by transgender and gender-nonconforming women of color, most notably Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera during the 1969 Stonewall Riots. Despite their foundational role, trans individuals were often sidelined in later decades in favor of a more "palatable" gay rights movement that prioritized marriage equality and military service.

Trans people face higher rates of workplace discrimination and housing instability compared to cisgender gay and lesbian individuals.