AFAB/AIAB/AMAB

Our Definition

Acronyms denoting “Assigned Female at Birth”, “Assigned Intersex at Birth” and “Assigned Male at Birth” 


Commonly used by the trans and non-binary community, sometimes written as “CAMAB/CAFAB” in order to emphasize the coercive nature of asigning gender at birth. 


Not related to ACAB. (No one is assigned “cop” at birth.)


Real Life Examples

Ryan is a man, but as an AFAB person, needs to see a gynecologist regularly. 

Julia is non-binary and trans-feminine and loves being part of the queer community, but finds some spaces unwelcoming to AMAB people because of TERF infestation. 

Common Practices

Everyone is different! You'll see this repeated throughout our website and glossary. Common practices for use of the terms "AFAB/AIAB/AMAB" include, but certainly aren't limited to:

  • Use by transgender and non-binary people. 
  • Use by cis people, for various reasons 
  • Wider acceptance amongst younger or “very online” demographics than older terminology which attempted to serve the same function (ie “MTF, FTM” etc) 

Got a beef with our definition?

Of course we don't speak for everyone! If you feel we are missing additional info, context, facts, history, or data, please email us and let us know!


While we can't promise every suggestion will make it, we'll always be working to keep this glossary thorough and inclusive!