Being trans is not a choice

Neither side really responds to the other side's definition. Con defines trans as the act of transitioning, since they have the same root word. Pro appeals to the APA, AMA, and WHO. Citing these authorities could have been enough to win had a link been provided and the tie to the definition more explicit. However, the appeal to authority only states that trans people report feeling different from a young age and that being trans is not a mental illness, which could technically both be true under Con's definition. It is implied that these authorities define the term trans as Pro is saying, but neither debater gives me a framework to weigh that implied appeal to authority against Con's semantic case. Since neither side really engaged with the other side's case, I'm leaving this as a draw.

At its core, this debate is a semantic one - does 'transgender' inherently imply active transition? Con argues that it does by relating it to the verb 'transition'. Pro, however, defines the term based on gender identity, which is inherent and often conflicts with biological sex even from a young age, as brought out in their R3. Ultimately, I think referencing the AMA, APA and WHO bolsters Pro's position enough for me to accept their definition over Con's. The resolution naturally follows from there.