Yes, it is possible for someone assigned male at birth (having the "body of a man") to have a gender identity that does not align with their assigned sex at birth. Gender identity is a deeply-held sense of being male, female, or another gender, and it may or may not correspond to the sex assigned at birth.
Transgender individuals are people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a person who was assigned male at birth but identifies as female has a female gender identity. This means they have the brain (gender identity) of a woman while having a body that typically aligns with male biological sex characteristics.
The brain is a complex organ, and research suggests that gender identity is influenced by a combination of genetic, hormonal, environmental, and neurological factors. In transgender individuals, studies have shown that certain brain structures and patterns of brain activity may be more similar to the gender they identify as than the sex they were assigned at birth.
It's crucial to understand and respect people's gender identities and expressions, as misgendering (referring to someone using language that does not align with their gender identity) can be harmful and contribute to discrimination and mental health challenges. Acceptance, support, and affirming the gender identity of transgender individuals are essential for their well-being and overall health. Using a person's preferred pronouns and respecting their identity is an important way to show support and respect for their gender identity.