{"id":32174,"date":"2016-06-29T06:00:45","date_gmt":"2016-06-29T13:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=32174"},"modified":"2018-06-29T09:23:25","modified_gmt":"2018-06-29T16:23:25","slug":"what-does-it-mean-for-a-transgender-person-to-transition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/what-does-it-mean-for-transgender-person-to-transition-0629167","title":{"rendered":"What Does It Mean for a Transgender Person to Transition?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"WaistEditor’s note:<\/strong> This article is meant to provide information about gender transition and why a\u00a0transgender person\u00a0may choose to transition. It does not attempt to speak for trans people. We recognize everyone has a different experience, and we welcome you to share yours in the comment section below.<\/em><\/p>\n

“So, when are you getting surgery?”<\/p>\n

“Are you taking hormones yet?”<\/p>\n

“Why would you want to go to all that trouble?”<\/p>\n

These are just a few of the questions people in the process of coming out as transgender<\/a> might face. Friends and family members who may have little to no understanding of gender transition or of what it means to be trans may ask invasive\u00a0questions, make inappropriate inquiries, or say things that are invalidating or hurtful,\u00a0regardless of intention.<\/p>\n

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Transition\u2014the process by which an individual begins to live as a member of another gender<\/a>\u2014can be complex. It may involve many steps for some and fewer for others. These steps might include changes to legal documents, gender confirmation surgery, alterations to physical appearance, name and pronoun changes, and hormone replacement therapy, among others.<\/p>\n

A\u00a0person’s reason for choosing to transition, and the goals they have regarding transition, are personal and unique. Some individuals may not pursue certain aspects of transition, whether through personal choice, lack of resources, or lack of access.\u00a0There is no single “right” way to transition. A person’s gender identity does not depend on whether they have had surgery or if they are taking hormones<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Why Do People Transition?<\/h2>\n

A person might realize they are trans (that their gender identity does not align with their birth sex designation) at any point in life. Some people\u00a0may first experience an internal sense of identity that does\u00a0not match their external characteristics in early childhood. Others report realizing this in puberty or later.\u00a0Societal gender norms<\/a> and expectations may contribute to a person’s realization of their true gender identity. These assumptions can also contribute to dysphoria, as a person might first attempt to conform to societal expectations by expressing a gender identity they do not have.<\/p>\n

Gender dysphoria<\/a>, which is believed to result from a mismatch between the brain’s internal map of the body and the actual physical body, is experienced by many trans people. The feelings of distress frequently associated with this condition may\u00a0have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life.<\/p>\n

Transition, whether social, through hormone therapy, through surgery, or through some combination, often improves feelings of dysphoria, though it may not relieve them completely.\u00a0The\u00a0goal of many is for\u00a0their gender to be perceived correctly by others, which is often referred to as “passing.”\u00a0Typically,\u00a0people transition to align their physical appearance and characteristics with their gender identity. Many people begin the process after years of dysphoria and distress, and transitioning may help them\u00a0feel as if they are finally able to be their true selves.<\/p>\n

Understanding Transition<\/h2>\n

Family members and friends may find a person’s true gender difficult to accept.\u00a0“You’ll always be ____ to me,” a mother might say, without the intention of harm. But this type of remark may be invalidating and cause distress in individuals who no more chose their gender identity than they chose to be born with blue eyes or brown\u00a0hair. Participating in therapy or counseling sessions<\/a> can help family members accept\u00a0a person’s gender identity. In counseling, they may be able to ask questions, come to a better understanding of what it means to be transgender, and learn more about what transition entails.<\/p>\n

According to\u00a0Kimber Shelton, PhD<\/a>, a licensed psychologist\u00a0in Duncanville, Texas, transitioning can have significant psychological, social, and physical benefits: “In my experience, individuals who transition express that the desired effects of hormones and surgery outweigh the potential risks (such as increased acne or balding from hormone\u00a0replacement therapy).”<\/p>\n

Anxiety<\/a> and depression<\/a> caused by gender dysphoria may diminish as dysphoria improves. Individuals who no longer have to make uncomfortable adjustments\u2014such as hiding unwanted physical characteristics\u2014may not only feel better physically\u00a0but may have greater confidence<\/a> and self-esteem<\/a>, Shelton also said.<\/p>\n

Social Transition<\/strong><\/p>\n

People generally begin the\u00a0transition process on their own before seeing a therapist or doctor. Even if a person has decided on medical transition, it may not be possible to begin immediately. Social\u00a0transition is the first step for many, and some people may transition only socially.<\/p>\n

Socially transitioning means a person makes changes in appearance and social situations to reflect their gender. This may include changes to\u00a0hairstyle and clothing,\u00a0name and pronoun changes, and use of different bathrooms\/gendered facilities<\/a>.\u00a0When a trans person first comes out as trans, they often\u00a0share their correct pronouns and their chosen name. They might share this widely\u2014at home, school, or work\u2014or they might disclose these changes only to family and close friends. Using the correct pronouns and the name a person has chosen shows support and acceptance of that person’s identity, but using an incorrect name and pronouns, beyond invalidating that person, could place them in danger or subject them to discrimination<\/a>, harassment, or\u00a0abuse<\/a> in some situations.<\/p>\n

Legal Transition<\/strong><\/p>\n

The legal process of gender transition typically requires several steps, and in America,\u00a0the process varies widely between states. All states allow name changes, but birth certificates issued in the states of Idaho, Kansas, Ohio, and Tennessee cannot\u00a0currently be changed. This restriction can prevent trans people who desire to change their gender marker from being able to fully transition. Many trans people do not wish to\u00a0disclose the fact they are trans, but being unable to change their gender marker may force\u00a0them to do so and can prevent them from changing other documents.<\/p>\n

Seeking education about the issues and concerns trans people face and offering acceptance and support can\u00a0be of great benefit not only to a trans friend or family member but to the trans community.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some states or individual treatment agencies require the completion of certain aspects of transition before providing others. For example, several states require gender confirmation surgery before issuing a birth certificate bearing the correct gender marker. Because this surgery is expensive and often not covered by insurance, it may be out of reach for some\u00a0 who desire it. Individuals who choose to transition without surgery but want their legal documents to reflect the correct gender may also be prevented from achieving this goal.<\/p>\n

Steps for legal transition might include:<\/p>\n