concerningTRANSGENDER ISSUES

Transgender is a word used to describe people whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth. Gender dysphoria is a recognised medical condition. Transgender people do not feel, on the inside, to be the gender that their bodies suggest on the outside. These feelings can be very dis-tressing and transgender people often struggle for many years with complex, difficult emotions as they come to understand their sense of gender identity.

Gender identity is a person's sense of being male or female and is not linked to sexual orientation. Transgender people may identify as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or asexual.

Transgender people experience and discover their transgender identity is a variety of ways. Some can trace their feelings back to their earliest memories. Others become aware of their transgender identities during adolescence or much later in life. Some transgender people embrace their transgender feelings while others struggle with feelings of shame or confusion.

Transgender people have been documented throughout history and are found in most societies of the world. There is no single reason why some people are transgender.

Some transgender people use medical treatment to alter their bodies to match their internal sense of gender identity. Some transgender people do not. This is a personal choice. Corrective surgery has helped many transgender people feel more comfortable in their bodies, though not every transgender person opts for gender reassignment.

Though it is illegal to discriminate against transgender people, transgender people often feel that it is difficult to find employment, and report that discrimination against transgender people is common not only in the workplace but in all areas of society.

Therapy can be invaluable to people experiencing gender identity issues. A competent therapist should be able to assist with the many challenges that transgender people face. Discussing feelings in therapy can help make sense of gender identity issues and help with difficult transitions. Support is available to those facing gender identity matters.

If you know someone who is transgender, or who is coming to terms with their transgender identity, educate yourself about transgender issues. Keep the lines of communication open with the transgender person and learn appropriate terms to use in discussing transgender matters. Don't make assumptions about things. If in doubt about something, ask.

Resources

American Psychological Association  www.apa.org/topics/transgender