Trans* 101 Part 2 – Questions & Answers

Trans* 101  Part 2
Part 1 of Trans* 101 covered some basic (yet still sometimes misunderstood) aspects concerning transgenderism. This portion of our blog series will continue with more foundational pieces of information to help build a solid base of understanding.

 

Here are some common questions and perceptions about the topic:

Are Transgender People Mentally Ill?

A lot of people believe this, but it is false; being transgender is not a mental illness.

In 2012, the DSM (the book of diagnostic information for mental health professionals) changed the correct terminology from Gender Identity Disorder to Gender Dysphoria. Gender Identity Disorder supposed that trans people were disordered (and therefore ill), while Gender Dysphoria is something a trans person can experience. Dysphoria refers to the significant psychological pain a person can feel because their sense of self does not match their body. Gender dysphoria can often decrease with proper support, which may include professional mental health care. It’s important to note that not all transgender people experience dysphoria. This does not make them less transgender or confused; it merely means their experience is not impacted by dysphoria.

Is Being Transgender Genetic or a Choice?

Research continues to parse out the origins of transgenderism, but studies currently point to a biological basis for being transgender. Scientific studies support the idea that just as with sexual orientation, being transgender is not a choice, but something biological (remember that sexual orientation and gender identity are separate and distinct). It’s critical to understand that parents and caregivers do not cause a child to be transgender or gay. Many parents wonder what they may have done to create such identities. While much research is needed, there is no evidence that what a mother, father or other caregiver does causes gender identity or sexual orientation.

Transgender People All Want Surgery

This too is false. While many trans identified individuals seek out medical interventions (such as hormone therapy, electrolysis, and surgeries), not all do. Transition, should a person wish to, is an incredibly individual journey. Some people don’t utilize any medical interventions, while some receive many. Transgender individuals are incredibly diverse, spanning all cultural backgrounds, socioeconomic group, all age groups and religious backgrounds. It makes sense than, that each journey is just as rich and diverse.

Kids Should Wait Until They Are Adults to Transition

Many people fear that trans identified kids or those who are gender-diverse will change their minds, and therefore should wait to make any big decisions about their gender identity. It’s important to note that there are reversible and non-reversible options for trans kids. Many young people actually benefit from exploring options prior to experiencing puberty, when physical changes become much more involved. The longer a child persists in their gender identity, the more likely it is that they are transgender. Dr. Norman Spack, who specializes in working with trans children indicates that: [A]t the time that puberty begins — that means between about age 10 to 12 in girls, 12 to 14 in boys, with breast budding or two- to three-times increase in the gonads in the case of genetic males — by that particular point, the child who says they are in the absolute wrong body is almost certain to be transgender and is extremely unlikely to change those feelings, no matter how anybody tries reparative therapy or any other noxious things (Check out Dr. Spack’s Ted Talk, here Transgender Kids ).

My goal for this blog series was to dispel some misinformation, share education and invite the awareness that transgender individuals come from all walks of life, all cultures, all backgrounds and all religions. There is no single representation in the media today that can fully articulate the beautiful diversity within this group. Each individual is on their own unique journey and deserves respect and understanding. Should you come to know someone who is transgender, do not assume you know about their lives or their goals. Get to know them as you would anyone, and let them share themselves and their vision for life when and if they choose to.