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What does it mean to be transgender? "Transgender" is an umbrella term that includes all people who consider themselves to be gender-variant, or who feel or act in ways that are inconsistent with the traditional gender roles associated with their biological sex. Those who are transgender may therefore run the gamut from transsexuals to cross-dressers to drag queens and kings to those who are genderqueer, bi-gendered, or gender-fluid. What does it mean to transition? Transitioning involves coming to terms with one's chosen gender identity. Oftentimes, transitioning is referred to as the physiological and psychological process of undergoing hormonal or surgical treatments. But it also may entail the legal process of moving from one gender identity to another (e.g., changing one's name or gender designation on official documents such as driver's licenses). It may further involve the interpersonal process of redefining one's self in relation to friends, families, and partners, as well as in the workplace. Some people transition openly with the support of allies in their social and professional lives, while others opt to transition in "stealth" (keeping their pasts private). If I decide that I'm transgender, does that mean I will eventually want to transition? Not necessarily. Transition is an intensely personal and complex decision. A number of transgender people opt not to pursue hormone therapy or surgery. In addition, depending on the level of comfort with one's own body, in addition to financial realities, some clients opt for some treatments but not others (e.g., hormone treatment but not surgery). Am I too young, or too old, to transition? Clients who are younger than age 18 will need parental consent before undergoing any kind of counseling or medical treatments. Once consent is gained, gender therapists work collaboratively with families to determine the best course of action for their transgender children and adolescents. Older clients can oftentimes transition quite successfully if they do not have medical conditions that would put them at risk if they began hormones or had sexual reassignment surgery. Why do I need a gender therapist? Being gender-variant in a culture that adheres to fairly rigid gender roles can be difficult and confusing without adequate support and education. A gender therapist can help you to develop comfort with your own particular gender identity and style of expression. If you feel you might be transsexual, a gender therapist can inform you of your options in terms of medical treatment, can refer you to reputable physicians, and can provide the assessment letter you will need in order to start hormone therapy or undergo sexual reassignment surgery. The Harry Benjamin Standards of Care recommend a minimum of three months of counseling or real life experience before starting hormone treatment. Physicians administering hormones for the transgender population will require a letter from a gender therapist documenting that the client has been in therapy at least three months and that the therapist has determined, along with the client, that hormone treatment is appropriate. Your gender therapist can further help you to develop a plan for transitioning at work/school, with family members, and with friends. Do I have to tell the "right" story in order to get a letter for hormones or surgery? No! There is no one narrative for being a transgender person. Everyone comes into an awareness of their true gender identity in different ways, and on different timetables. For example, some experience gender dysphoria at a very young age, while others decide they are transgender in their 50s or 60s. Similarly, gender identity and gender expression are two different things. Some male-to-female transsexuals are more comfortable with an androgynous or "tomboyish" appearance, for example, while others are highly feminine. Likewise, some female-to-male transsexuals prefer a very masculine presentation while others are comfortable being "gender-benders." Furthermore, sexual orientation has nothing to do with one's gender identity. Transgender clients (like all other folks) can be heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, or even asexual. May I bring family members or partners to my sessions? Yes. I invite clients to bring others into their therapy sessions if they feel it would be helpful. Gaining the support of allies within one's family or social circle can be enormously rewarding as well as beneficial to the transition process. Some clients who are encountering difficulties coming out to family and friends may find it helpful to employ the therapist as an advocate in this process. For example, your therapist can talk with family members about their concerns and provide information about what it means to be transgender, or to have a transgender family member. I also provide clients and families with a list of helpful resources that includes books, films, advocacy groups and websites, and local support and social groups.
Copyright 2008 Carson Rader, PhD. All rights reserved. |