It’s also important, Lichtenstein says, to realize that ignoring your feelings or trying to change your gender identity is not helpful for managing dysphoria. “We know that conversion therapy, which is attempting to change one’s gender or sexuality through therapy or other treatments, is harmful psychologically and does not reduce gender dysphoria either,” Lichtenstein says.
Medical Treatments and Surgery
“The idea is we want to help people find where they feel their identity is comfortable, and they can be more at ease,” Thomas says.
Testosterone, a masculinizing hormone, for transgender menTestosterone blockers and estrogen/progesterone, which are feminizing hormones, for transgender women
Top surgery This procedure adds breast tissue for trans women or removes it for trans men.Bottom surgery Trans men may undergo procedures like a metoidioplasty or phalloplasty to create a penis using tissue from other areas of the body. Trans women may elect to have a vaginoplasty to create a vagina after removing the penis and scrotum.Facial procedures Certain surgeries, including facial masculinization or feminization surgery, can make a person’s face more feminine- or masculine-looking.
Gender Expression
Gender expression involves adopting behaviors to help a person achieve their preferred gender identity. “In some cases, [the transition] is not anything physical, but just to express in certain ways — names, hairstyles, or pronouns,” explains Thomas.
Therapy
In the past, medical experts used to recommend that all transgender people go through some form of psychotherapy before undergoing treatment, but this practice has fallen by the wayside for adults, Thomas says. “The history is that psychotherapy had kind of a bad reputation in the transgender community because we were seen as the gatekeepers, and we were the ones who were going to decide if you were going to have hormones or surgeries. But that’s no longer true,” Thomas explains. “What I try to help people realize is that this is not about that. This is about helping you figure out what’s best for you.” If the person chooses, therapy sessions can also include spouses, family members, friends, and even children. In part because of social stigma, gender dysphoria may be overlooked or untreated, which Lichtenstein says can lead to:
DepressionAnxietyTraumatic stress disordersHigher rates of homelessnessUnderemployment or unemploymentSuicide
“We try to remind people that they have to be patient. Often, you end up telling someone who’s important in your life; you’ve been struggling with this internally for years, but they just found out. So, they need some time for adjustment and sometimes even grieving [the loss of their previous perception of you],” says Thomas. “The most important thing for folks with gender dysphoria is to find the folks in your life who are supportive,” Lichtenstein adds.
Listen. Create a safe space for them to talk about their feelings without judgment.Use the right pronouns. Let the person tell you what pronoun you should use when referring to them.Don’t make assumptions about their sexual orientation. Gender identity is different from sexual orientation — transgender people can be straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or another sexual orientation.Don’t ask what their “real” sex or name is. Respect their current identity without asking about the past.Don’t try to change their mind. A transgender person has already decided on their gender identity — if they tell you they’re transgender, accept it.Be trustworthy. If a transgender person opens up to you, be sure to keep your conversations confidential, and avoid disclosing their gender history to anyone else if they haven’t publicly done so themselves.Let your transgender loved one know how you feel. If you’re struggling with a loved one’s transition, it’s okay to be honest while still being sensitive to their feelings. A therapy setting is often a helpful place to talk about this.
American Psychiatric Association (APA) The APA is the premier psychiatric organization that helps advance mental health as a part of general health and well-being. Their site offers educational material about gender dysphoria and breaks down the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Black Trans Advocacy Coalition The Black Trans Advocacy Coalition aims to improve Black trans experiences by overcoming violence and injustice. They provide resources to advocate for health, housing, and employment equality. Cleveland Clinic You can find information about gender dysphoria, how it’s diagnosed, and available treatments on Cleveland Clinic’s site. GLAAD For more than 30 years, GLAAD has been promoting cultural change and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. The organization offers an array of online materials and also hosts events like the Annual GLAAD Media Awards. Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization that promotes education and research to people who need healing and healthcare. Their page on gender dysphoria covers the topic at length. National Center for Transgender Equality The National Center for Transgender Equality advocates for policies that bolster acceptance of transgender people. On their site, you can find educational information, advocacy opportunities, and more. The Trevor Project This organization provides resources to help LGBTQ+ individuals thrive. One unique feature is their free 24/7 crisis counseling service for individuals who need help. Transgender Law Center The Transgender Law Center is the largest national trans-led organization that advocates for self-determination for all people. The center helps change attitudes, laws, and policies so trans people can live lives free of discrimination.
