Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
Over the past decade, the number of people in the transgender community has been on the rise. A recent poll suggests that as many as 0.7% of American adults identify as transgender, an increase from 0.3% in 2011. While this figure might look small, it still represents over 1 million people who may have gender dysphoria, and feelings of discomfort about one’s gender assignment. Below is more information about this diagnosis along with ways to relieve gender-related distress and some recommendations for being an ally to the transgender community.
Key Terms
Before describing gender dysphoria in more detail, I want to note some terms that are vital for understanding this diagnosis:
- Sex refers to the various biological features that have been labeled as “male” and “female.” For example, “XY” chromosomes are associated with being assigned male at birth.
- Gender assignment represents the gender identity (male or female), derived from external biological characteristics, that is given to someone at birth.
- Gender identity is the way one classifies their personal experience of gender (e.g., male, female, non-binary).
- Transgender (or trans) is a sweeping descriptor that refers to someone whose gender identity differs from their gender assignment. It should be noted that not all transgender individuals identify as male or female. Rather, some feel that other gender identities, such as non-binary or agender, best represent their experience.
The Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis
Gender dysphoria is present when someone feels that their gender assignment and sex attributes do not align with their experience of gender. A person with this diagnosis may believe that they behave and feel like a different gender than that which was assigned to them at birth. Additionally, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) outlines that gender dysphoria can present in other ways, which may make someone want to:
- Eliminate the attributes that accompany their sex.
- Obtain the attributes that accompany the opposite gender.
- Live as a gender different from that which was assigned to them at birth.
- Be regarded as a different gender.
To be diagnosed with gender dysphoria, the DSM-V requires one to have two of these experiences for a minimum of six months.
Although gender dysphoria is a mental health diagnosis, identifying as transgender is not a psychological disorder. It is important to make this distinction because some use the existence of gender dysphoria to stigmatize and pathologize the identities of transgender people. However, the DSM-V’s classification should not be used as a tool of invalidation, but rather to describe feelings of distress associated with one’s gender assignment.
What Might This Information Mean for Me?
There are several paths a person can take to resolve feelings of uneasiness about the gender they were assigned at birth. According to the American Psychiatric Association, psychotherapy can be used as an outlet to explore one’s gender with the goal of relieving distress related to their identity.
In addition to talking with a professional, some people seek out medical care, such as hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirming surgery. These options allow the individual to develop the sex characteristics that align with their experience of gender. For example, someone assigned female at birth might take testosterone to affirm their male identity. Finally, people who have gender dysphoria may legally modify their name and gender markers on government-issued identification cards with the same goal in mind.
Being an Ally to the Transgender Community
Even if you have not experienced gender dysphoria, you should always be an ally to those who have. The following list includes several ways you can support the transgender community:
- Ask for others’ pronouns upon meeting them and share your own. Gendering people correctly fosters an inclusive space.
- Put your pronouns in your email signature and social media accounts.
- Learn about diverse gender identities and the experiences of transgender people. Some useful resources include the websites of trans activist Schuyler Bailar, The National Center for Transgender Equality, The Trevor Project, and Human Rights Campaign.
Just as being supportive is helpful, it is equally important to avoid being unsupportive. Some suggestions on what not to say around transgender individuals are listed below:
- Avoid asking about someone’s previous name as it can remind them of upsetting experiences and feel invalidating.
- Avoid asking if someone has transitioned. Inquiring about a person’s transition is akin to asking about their body and medical information, which is rather invasive.
- Avoid questions about someone’s gender assignment. Again, you are not entitled to knowledge about another person’s body.
- Avoid saying that an individual’s identity is “just a phase” or that they will “grow out of it.” Statements like these are incredibly invalidating to people of different gender identities.
Conclusory Points
Gender dysphoria refers to the affliction one feels when their gender assignment does not match how they experience gender. Because of this, adults with gender dysphoria might want to eliminate the attributes associated with their anatomy or obtain those of the opposite sex. Fortunately, there are ways to go about resolving such unease. To relieve the discomfort that accompanies this diagnosis, people may seek out psychotherapy, gender-affirming healthcare, or changes to legal documentation.
For those who have never experienced gender dysphoria, allyship is essential. Recommendations for supporting the trans community include respecting others’ pronouns and the privacy of their personal information. Your allyship, whatever form it may take, will undoubtedly make a positive impact on those in the trans community.
