Sistergirl is an Aboriginal English word that is broadly similar in meaning to MtF transgender, but not necessarily exactly the same. Sistergirls often identify as or live as women. Some do not dress like women, many do.  In traditional communities the word sistergirl also includes sisters (gay men) but to urban sistergirls it does not.

Before colonisation, different Indigenous Australian cultures had a variety of different ideas, attitudes and social structures relating to sexuality and gender. Some cultures had sistergirls and some may not have.  White missionaries tried to stamp out this and other practices that they associated with sin and homosexuality.  Some Indigenous languages have their own words for sex/gender diverse
people.

On the Tiwi islands, where there are a lot of sistergirls today, they are also known as Yimpininni (literally "boy-girl").

If you are identify as a sistergirl, or are an aboriginal or torres strait islander queer, A Gender Agenda would love to hear from you. We plan on expanding the amount of information and kids of services we can provide, and guidance from indigenous people would be great.

In Canberra the Aboriginal Health Clinic is Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Services (ACT) Inc. They are a proactively trans and sistergirl friendly organisation, and we highly recommend that sistergirls and indigenous trans people contact Winnunga if they are in need of health care.