An Overview of Gender Dysphoria in grown-ups

Over yesteryear decade, the amount of individuals the transgender community continues to be on the rise. A recent poll suggests that as much as 0.7% of American adults identify as transgender, an increase from 0.3% in 2011. Although this figure might look small, still it represents over 1 million people who may have gender dysphoria, and feelings of discomfort about one's gender assignment. Below is much more information about this diagnosis along with methods to relieve gender-related distress and some recommendations for becoming an ally towards the transgender community.

Key Terms

Before describing gender dysphoria in greater detail, I wish to note some terms which are vital for understanding this diagnosis:

  • Sex refers back to the various biological features that have been called “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's provided 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 really a sweeping descriptor that refers to someone whose gender identity is different from their gender assignment. It should be noted that not all transgender individuals identify as man or woman. Rather, some feel that other gender identities, for example non-binary or agender, best represent their experience.

The Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis

Gender dysphoria exists when someone feels their gender assignment and sex attributes do not align with their experience with gender. You aren't this diagnosis may think that they behave and feel like a different gender than that which was allotted to them at birth. Additionally, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) outlines that gender dysphoria can instruct in other ways, which might make someone wish to:

  • Eliminate the attributes that is included with their sex. 
  • Obtain the attributes that accompany the alternative gender.
  • Live like a gender different from that which was assigned to them at birth.
  • Be thought to be a different gender.

To be diagnosed with gender dysphoria, the DSM-V requires someone to have two of these experiences for a minimum of 6 months. 

Although gender dysphoria is really a mental health diagnosis, identifying as transgender is not a psychological disorder. You should make this distinction because some make use of the information on 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 instead to describe feelings of distress related to one's gender assignment.

What Might These details Mean for Me?

There are some paths an individual can take to resolve feelings of uneasiness concerning the gender they were assigned at birth. Based on the American Psychiatric Association, psychotherapy can be used as an outlet to explore one's gender with the goal of relieving distress associated with their identity.

In accessory for speaking with an expert, some people seek out health care, such as hormone replacement therapy and gender-affirming surgery. These options permit the individual to develop the sex characteristics that align using their experience with gender. For example, someone assigned female at birth usually takes 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 your mind. 

Being an Ally towards the Transgender Community

Even if you haven't experienced gender dysphoria, you should always be an ally to those who have. The list below includes several ways you can offer the transgender community:

  • Ask for others' pronouns upon meeting them and share your own. Gendering people correctly fosters a comprehensive space.
  • Put your pronouns in your email signature and social networking 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. A few recommendations 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 in regards to a person's transition is similar to asking about their body and medical information, which is rather invasive. 
  • Avoid questions about someone's gender assignment. Again, you aren't entitled to knowledge about another person's body. 
  • Avoid stating that a person's identity is “just a phase” or that they'll “grow out of it.” Statements like these are incredibly invalidating to people of various gender identities. 

Conclusory Points

Gender dysphoria refers to the affliction one feels when their gender assignment doesn't match the way they experience gender. Due to this, adults with gender dysphoria may want to get rid of the attributes related to their anatomy or obtain those of a potential partner. Fortunately, there are ways to start 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 important. 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 create a positive effect on those in the trans community.