The bright constellation

Sep 26

How to Come to Terms with Being Transgender As a Teen

Phychology of a teenager. Add comments

1
Accept it. Based on experience, you have probably known about your gender identity since you were young: female, male, or maybe not within the gender binary at all. You know what your gender identity is better than anybody else. Don't let anybody tell you that you aren't transgender, or that it's just a phase.
2
Realize that you are not alone. No matter where you are, you can find other transgender people. Call an LGBT community center, advocacy organization or support group. If you can't find one, and it feels safe, ask around. Lots of different places might have ideas about where you can get support.
3
Read. Check out books from the library. Jamison Green, Kate Bornstein, Leslie Feinberg, Mattilda, and Louis Sullivan have written some great books that are really informative. Find out everything you can.
4
Tell someone if you're sure it'll be safe. Don't hide it; it feels like a huge weight on your shoulders and it hurts. Come out to someone that you'd trust with your life. Write a speechor notes beforehand unless your memory is very good. Go ahead and cry, if you need to.
5
Be yourself. Don't feel ashamed of being who you are. If transition is what you want to do – do it.
6
Seek resources. If there's a transgender support center or group in your area, consider going to it – many have anonymous help lines you can call if you have questions and don't feel comfortable going in person. If you can, meeting somebody who's already spent time questioning their gender and is further along in the transitioning process than you are can be extremely helpful. If there's nothing in your area, there are online support groups who can provide help, advice, and a listening ear.
7
Write. Pour out your feelings into a journal, write heart music, poems and, in general, yell with your fingers.
8
Visit a doctor. Discuss this with a physician who has has experience in this area. If the doctor does not believe you or take you seriously, go to another one. Don't let an ignorant health care professional question your identity.
9
Learn about hormones and other aspects of physical transition, and make sure that this is what you want to do.