Currently, there are approximately 1.6% of U.S. adults who identify as transgender. The reasons for being transgender vary and include gender dysphoria, medical treatments, and living according to one’s gender identity. Regardless of the reason, many transgender people seek to alleviate their dysphoria through transitioning, a process in which they change their physical appearance and adopt a new set of pronouns and name.
1.6% of U.S. adults are transgender
Increasing numbers of Americans are aware that transgender people exist. A new report from the Pew Research Center finds that more than one in ten adults knows someone who is transgender. It also found that a larger proportion of Democrats and Republicans are likely to know a trans person.
The study, which surveyed 10,188 U.S. adults, was weighted to be representative of the adult population. Among those surveyed, a quarter knew a trans person, while 27% knew a trans friend. The number of Americans who know a trans person has grown by more than one-third in the last five years.
The survey also found that adults younger than 30 are more likely to report that their gender is different from the gender assigned at birth. The percentage of young adults who know a nonbinary person is also increasing.
Gender dysphoria
Identifying as a gender other than the assigned one at birth, often referred to as transgender, may cause psychological distress. The condition is sometimes called gender confusion or gender dysphoria.
It is believed that genes and hormones in the womb play a role in identifying as a different gender. However, there is no definitive scientific explanation for why some people are transgender.
Regardless of the specific cause, there are several ways to reduce gender confusion. Some examples include changing the name on identification documents to reflect your new gender, reducing facial hair, and adopting a new hairstyle. It’s also important to have social support to minimize discrimination.
Gender dysphoria is a relatively common condition. Studies suggest that it can affect up to two percent of the population. It’s a mental disorder if it causes significant distress. In addition to being a major cause of psychological distress, it can lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Expression of gender identity
Those who are transgender are individuals whose gender identity does not conform to the sex assigned at birth. They can identify as bisexual, homosexual, male, female, or somewhere in between. However, the term transgender is often used to mean those whose sexuality does not match the sex assigned at birth.
While some people choose to change their gender on their identity documents, others hide their gender identity in public for fear of being bullied or hurt. Several studies have shown that those who are transgender experience disproportionate discrimination in all areas of their lives. This includes employment, housing, and shopping.
Those who are transgender may find it difficult to ask for help. They may also be afraid of being discriminated against by health professionals. For this reason, it is important to seek support from allies who are supportive of the rights of transgender people.
Medical treatments
Those who are transgender have the opportunity to undergo medical treatments that align their bodies with their gender identities. These treatments are known as gender-affirming care.
Surgical procedures, hormone replacement therapy and sex reassignment therapies are all available to people who wish to change their legal gender. However, a major barrier to these procedures is the cost. Depending on the procedure, costs can run into six figures.
The Mayo Clinic is testing new tests for gender dysphoria. Some insurance plans don’t cover surgery related to gender, so many transgender people aren’t getting the care they need.
In addition to the high costs, there are other factors that can affect the health of a transgender patient. They include lack of housing and employment, stigma, and structural barriers.
Living according to one’s gender identity
Whether you are transgender or not, it is important to know what is meant by living according to one’s gender identity. For some, it is a physical change to the body and appearance while others socially transition by using pronouns.
Transgenders experience deep dissatisfaction with their assigned sex at birth. They often seek gender-affirming treatments to address this dissatisfaction. But, they also face stigma and discrimination. They are exposed to harassment, abuse, and sexual violence. They have twice the rate of HIV infection, are twice as likely to be homeless, and have a higher rate of unemployment than the general population.
Many transgender people are self-identified, meaning they know what their gender is and what they want to be. Some are born with this gender identity, while other may become aware of their transgender identity at a later age.