The cultural practice of transitioning is founded on the belief that individuals are:

The belief that individuals are exclusively male or female underpins the cultural practice of transitioning, as it suggests a binary understanding of gender identity. In many societies, this binary categorization aligns with traditional views that link gender strictly to biological characteristics. Consequently, transitioning typically occurs within this framework where individuals who identify differently than their assigned sex at birth seek to align their gender expression and identity with their internal sense of self, which is viewed as either male or female.

Understanding this context is essential, as it highlights the tension between rigid gender norms and the experiences of those who transition. Those who adhere to a strictly binary perspective may not fully appreciate the complexity of gender identity, which is increasingly understood as a spectrum rather than a fixed category defined solely by male or female binaries. This perspective on transitioning often overlooks the nuances of gender identity that exist outside these traditional confines.