The beautiful latin term trans or tranz, replete with potentiality, is being used mostly short for transsexuals or transgenders. The original root of the word trans denotes ‘opposite’ or ‘across’ (e.g., transcontinental), or into another state or place (e.g., transonic). In chemistry, trans denotes molecules with opposite arrangements of substituents. In genetics, it stands for a molecular structure with two atoms on opposite sides of a plane.
Yet, the connotation of trans means much more. It represents transformation, transcending and surpassing. When we replace the word "immigrants" with "transnationals", we understand people not just operating across geographical boundaries, but across identities, culture, and values. It adds depth to understanding their lives of courage, chaos, and confluence.
Interestingly, the deep mystery of tantra (originating in Sanskrit root tan meaning weaving of threads on a loom), too, is replete with symbolism of Ardhanarishvara, the half-man half-woman form of Shiva and Shakti, and implies duality in unity. Eastern traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Tibetan Bön tradition, Daoism and Japanese Shintō––worship this polarity. Shiva (the seed) and Shakti (manifest diversity) effortlessly enmesh in Asian psyche. It is revered as one being, that integrates the opposing yet inseparable forces of the masculine and the feminine.