Gender Site : Gender Dysphoria And Sexual Identity

Beginning in childhood, there are some people who feel that their physical sex does not match their gender identity. The result of this feeling is gender dysphoria, and it is considered a symptom of a gender identity disorder. Boys may engage in girlish behaviors, such as playing with dolls or assuming female roles in imaginative play. Girls may want their hair cut short, may dress in masculine clothing, and engage in rough-and-tumble play. The feeling of being of the wrong physical sex creates a great deal of distress for a transgender teen. Teens often suffer emotional problems as they feel pressured to conform to the gender roles assigned to their physical sex.

Many in the transgender community dispute the notion that non-conformity with traditionally accepted gender roles is a sign of a mental disorder. Many children grow out of gender dysphoria, and come to feel comfortable with their gender, but are identified as homosexuals. Some teens try desperately to fit in with their socially defined gender roles. This may cause them great emotional distress. Those who object to the idea of a gender identity disorder point out, particularly in the case of a transgender teen who may be exploring his or her sexual identity, the idea that they may have a mental illness and this reinforces the notion that "different is bad."

In some cases, gender dysphoria persists into adulthood. The person feels that they are trapped in the body of the opposite sex of what they actually are. This feeling often begins in childhood, and a transgender teen may wish to live as the opposite of his or her physical sex. Such persons, as they reach adulthood, may seek transgender therapy. This therapy consists of psychological counseling, hormonal treatment, and for some, sexual reassignment surgery. Generally, the person is required to live as a member of their desired sex for at least a year, often up to two years, before the transgender surgery is done.

A person who feels that his or her physical sex differs from their gender identity can suffer a great deal of emotional pain. Pressure from family members and peers to conform their gender roles to their physical sex can compound the problems of gender dysphoria, especially for transgender teens. Many who feel trapped in the body of the opposite sex seek transgender therapy. Those who go on to have transgender surgery often feel great relief as their bodies finally reflect their true gender identities.

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Today's Tip On Gender Identity

Transgender counseling is meant to help transgender people work through a difficult experience, not to cause them to hide in shame or confusion. While transgendered people often become isolated, the isolation typically stems from denial and/or social withdrawal. Counselors can help you to deal with all of these issues as you take a full role in society. While there are counselors who will manipulate or in some way abuse the transgendered client, they can be avoided by knowing what to look for and what to avoid.