Transgender
The word ‘Transgender’ describes different types of gender identity, for example gender dysphoria, and transvestism. Some people feel that they are trapped in the body of the wrong gender and this is called Gender dysphoria. To give you an example of this...a boy would feel that he is actually a girl trapped in a boy's body, and a girl would feel she is a boy trapped in a girl's body.
Feeling trapped in the wrong body
Everybody is different and some people who have had gender dysphoria for a long time are known as transsexuals. On the other hand some people become aware of transsexual feelings as children, while others discover their feelings later in life.
How will I know if I’m transgendered?
The signs of gender dysphoria will appear at a very young age. These could include a girl not showing any interest in typical girl’s clothes or toys or a boy refusing to take part in activities normally associated with boys. For a lot of children, this may just be a normal part of growing up, but in cases of gender dysphoria, it continues as the child becomes a teenager, and then an adult. In the UK gender dysphoria is a medical condition, but we don’t know what causes it. It’s very important to take time to think about who you really are and find ways to express yourself. You can be diagnosed as having gender dysphoria, but you must truly believe that you belong in the body of the opposite sex.
Is transgender the same as being gay?
No. Transgender is not a sexuality. Lots of people mistakenly think that it is, but your gender identity is about whether you feel male or female, whereas your sexual orientation is about who you are attracted to. The reason why I have included this on my website is because usually transgender people have shared experiences with gay, lesbian and bisexual people. Just like everybody transgender people can be lesbian, gay, heterosexual, bisexual or asexual.
Transphobia
Unfortunately, transgender people face prejudice from certain groups and individuals. This prejudice is called transphobia and just like homophobia this is usually fuelled by stereotypes. People can also be influenced by the people they live with, what their friends think and the media. If you think that you are being bullied don’t forget to talk to somebody – there is always someone here for you!
Feeling trapped in the wrong body
Everybody is different and some people who have had gender dysphoria for a long time are known as transsexuals. On the other hand some people become aware of transsexual feelings as children, while others discover their feelings later in life.
How will I know if I’m transgendered?
The signs of gender dysphoria will appear at a very young age. These could include a girl not showing any interest in typical girl’s clothes or toys or a boy refusing to take part in activities normally associated with boys. For a lot of children, this may just be a normal part of growing up, but in cases of gender dysphoria, it continues as the child becomes a teenager, and then an adult. In the UK gender dysphoria is a medical condition, but we don’t know what causes it. It’s very important to take time to think about who you really are and find ways to express yourself. You can be diagnosed as having gender dysphoria, but you must truly believe that you belong in the body of the opposite sex.
Is transgender the same as being gay?
No. Transgender is not a sexuality. Lots of people mistakenly think that it is, but your gender identity is about whether you feel male or female, whereas your sexual orientation is about who you are attracted to. The reason why I have included this on my website is because usually transgender people have shared experiences with gay, lesbian and bisexual people. Just like everybody transgender people can be lesbian, gay, heterosexual, bisexual or asexual.
Transphobia
Unfortunately, transgender people face prejudice from certain groups and individuals. This prejudice is called transphobia and just like homophobia this is usually fuelled by stereotypes. People can also be influenced by the people they live with, what their friends think and the media. If you think that you are being bullied don’t forget to talk to somebody – there is always someone here for you!