People become aware of their transgender identity at different times in life. Some have a sense of being different from birth, while others discover their gender-nonconforming feelings during adolescence or later in adulthood.
A person who feels like a man in a body assigned as female at birth is called a transgender male. People who undergo genital surgery to match their experienced gender are known as transsexuals.
Gender nonconformity
Gender nonconformity is a term used to describe people who don’t conform to gender expectations. However, gender nonconformity varies from person to person and from culture to culture. For example, in one society, women might be expected to shave their legs, while in another, they might wear nail polish and pursue careers over marriage or children.
People who are gender nonconforming often seek to live their lives authentically. It’s important to avoid perpetuating gender stereotypes, which hurt everyone. This can be done by recognizing how your words and actions reinforce gender norms, and by seeking support from peers.
Studies have shown that anti-transgender prejudice, traditional gender role beliefs, and biological gender essentialism negatively affect liking and threat toward transgender individuals. These factors can also influence social acceptance of a person’s gender identity. In addition, adolescent gender nonconforming individuals experience more verbal and physical aggression at school. This can lead to anxiety and depression. Ultimately, gender nonconformity can be an empowering aspect of life, but it is important to note that choosing labels or names is not a requirement.
Gender identity
Gender identity is a person’s psychological perception of being male, female or neither. It may not be consistent with the sex assigned at birth, and it can change over time. Those who have gender identities that are different from the sex assigned to them by their birth are known as transgender people. They include individuals who transition from male-to-female (MTF) and those who are intersex. They also include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) folks. It is important to always ask a person which pronouns they prefer and never assume that he or she is male or female.
Many transgender people have a support network that helps them understand and express their gender identity. They can help them determine what is best for their mental and physical health. They can also use their network to find a supportive community that validates them. They can also learn more about the various social issues that impact them and read books, blogs and watch TV shows.
Gender dysphoria
Gender dysphoria is a distressing feeling that occurs when your biological sex doesn’t match your gender identity. People with severe dysphoria are sometimes called transgender people, and they might need medical or surgical treatment to make their body match their gender identity.
The onset of gender dysphoria is usually at an early age. Some examples include a girl who refuses to play rough or participate in competitive games, and a boy who avoids standing to urinate. Gender dysphoria can lead to mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, and physical problems, such as genital abnormalities.
Gender dysphoria should not be confused with transvestism or body dysmorphic disorder, which are psychiatric conditions that have different etiologies. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recommends using “transgender” instead of “transsexual” for those who identify as such. Also, transgender shouldn’t be used to describe sexual orientation — like lesbian, gay, bisexual, or straight — or a person’s feelings of attraction to other people of the same sex.
Gender reassignment
Gender reassignment surgery, also known as sex change or gender affirmation surgery, is an option for transgender people who feel dissatisfied with their assigned sex at birth. It can be a life-changing experience for some individuals, and it is widely accepted that it improves mental health and quality of life. However, it is not a cure-all for gender dysphoria.
The participants in the study said that they find affirmation and support from many places, including friends, chosen family members (as opposed to traditional biological families), therapists or other healthcare professionals, LGBTQ+ communities, and faith-based groups. Many of them cite specific moments that make them feel supported and affirmed.
It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against a person for undergoing gender reassignment. This can include refusing to give time off work, or excluding someone from competitive sports because their appearance violates gender stereotypes. This is also known as transphobia. It is also illegal to discriminate against someone because they are transgender or nonbinary.