Transitioning
*No one needs to transition. People who do not experience dysphoria and who do not wish to change their appearance or gender expression are valid in their identities. Everyone's experience is different. No one can tell you how to identify or what you need to do to be who you are. Some people go on gender-affirming hormone therapy, some people have surgery, some decide on a combination, and some people do none at all. I decided the best decision for myself was to medically transition. To learn more, check the Resources tab and click on Hormones, Surgery, or Hair Removal.
Cis Assuming Privilege aka "Passing"
Part of the reason I decided to medically transition, is because I want to live my day to day life as easily and as safely as possible. Being trans can be difficult, especially if you don't look like what society expects of your gender. This problem is often referred to as "passing." [Example: "when I started my transition, I was harassed on the street more and received dirty looks because I didn't pass as a woman."] I don't like this term because it suggests that we are trying to be deceitful or trick someone. I much prefer the term “cis assuming.” I’m at point in my transition now where people often assume I’m not trans. This is a privilege I have as it makes it safer to navigate the world, but it also feels like my identity is being unintentionally erased sometimes.
With this being said, I want to stress that we should all forget passing. You shouldn't feel the need to try to fit into a box that doesn't suit your identity. Only you can determine who you are and how you want to label yourself. There is nothing wrong with being a person who doesn't fit into societal expectations of gender. I'm a femme person who likes stereotypically 'feminine' things and I identify as a non-binary woman. That's okay too. Gender roles are made up guidelines used to oppress people, especially femme folk.
See the Legislation Page for more.
Gender Dysphoria
Gender Dysphoria: the feeling of discomfort or disconnect towards one’s gender or body. A feeling many trans people experience. Not required to be transgender. May be alleviated by changing one’s name, pronouns, or appearance. It can be so difficult to process gender dysphoria, but recognizing it is important. I would suggest talking with a gender specialist or therapist/ counselor. Do your research and make sure the place you're going to is either LGBTQ friendly or specializes in gender dysphoria. Know that it's okay to feel this way and there are ways to alleviate it. Ask friends, community members, your primary physician, or research places online. Through soul searching, researching, talking with friends, and a therapist, I decided medically transitioning was the best choice.
Gender Euphoria
Gender Euphoria is the feeling of bliss or satisfaction with one's gender. I believe being trans is so much more about leaning into ones gender euphoria than it is running away from ones gender dysphoria. Not every trans person experiences dysphoria in the same ways if at all, but we all deserve to feel affirmed and connected to ourselves, our genders, and our bodies.