Transidentity means that a person's gender identification does not match their biological sex. A classic example: a person who was born with the physical characteristics of a man, for example, feels like a woman. Many individuals become more aware of their trans identity as they grow older. However, sometimes it happens that children notice at an early age that they identify more with the opposite sex and are transsexual.
Transidentity has also been studied scientifically over the last few years. It was shown that many affected people also suffer psychologically from the fact that the biological sex and their own self-identification do not match.
The desire for gender reassignment surgery may (but does not have to) become stronger and stronger.
Is trans identity just a phase?
From a medical point of view, one may only speak of a transidentity if the difference between self-identification and biological characteristics has already existed for a period of several months.
This means that there are also cases in which those affected have the feeling that they do not feel comfortable in the body they were assigned at birth. Accordingly, many experts emphasize again and again that an existing trans identity can only be reliably determined after puberty. However, many people who are transgender repeatedly declare in this context that they knew about their deviant gender identification much earlier.
It is always particularly interesting to note that those affected deal with the fact that they are or could be transgender in a completely different way. Some are relieved when they realize that their deviant gender identification can be named. Others react confused.
One thing is certain: Those who do not pursue their trans identity, inform themselves and deal with it, are more likely to develop psychological problems. The pressure of suffering then often increases over time.
Transidentity and different designations
Who wants to know a little more about trans identities, should deal with the individual terms in the first step. Here applies:
- People who were born with female sex characteristics but identify as male are called "transmen" or "female-to-male transsexuals."
- Those who were born with male sex characteristics but identify as female are referred to as "transwomen" or "male-to-female transsexuals."
A special "border" in this context is often the day on which the gender reassignment was performed. From this point on, many people "say goodbye" to the addition "trans". They then often call themselves from now on only "man" or "woman".
Where can transgender people find support?
How a transident person deals with the fact that their gender identification does not match their body is very individual. In the first step, it is of course helpful to be able to rely on an understanding, tolerant and open environment.
Those who feel absolutely uncomfortable can seek information from experts about interventions of a surgical and/ or hormonal nature. Responsible counseling ensures that transgender people are informed about all options, but also about any risks, so that they can make further informed decisions about the appropriate steps.
The recommended measures are often a kind of "treatment package". Here, different points are addressed in order to achieve the best result for those being treated.
Almost every gender reassignment of transident people is also accompanied psychologically, among other things. Of course, it is particularly important that all those involved are aware that treatments of this kind can no longer be reversed after a certain point. An extensive weighing of all factors is accordingly indispensable.
I think being trans is very complicated. You already feel uncomfortable in your own body and then you also encounter a lot of resistance in society. That can really get a person down. That's why I think that even people who are sure of themselves back out again thanks to society.