Written By | Sajan Sudwal

Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

With the increasing visibility of the transgender community and acceptance of sexuality and gender as a spectrum, modern conceptions of sex and gender establish a distinction between the two. Although these terms may seem interchangeable, they describe different things. Sex, also known as biological sex, relates to the assignment one is given at birth, most commonly male, female, or intersex. This is often distinguished by a person’s biological and physical attributes, such as external genitalia, reproductive organs, sex chromosomes, and sex hormones. Gender identity (aka gender), on the other hand, refers to one’s personal perception of being male or female, which may or may not correspond with their sex assigned at birth. These variants fall under an umbrella term called gender non-binary, which encompasses identities that do not fall within the categories of male or female. This can include being gender-neutral, transgender, and genderqueer, amongst many others. From the two-spirit individuals in Indigenous cultures to the hijra people of India, variance in gender identity has existed for millennia. However, many people have remained rigid in their ideas of gender and adhered to the binary of man and woman. 

The Challenges of Gender Identity

Exploring and discovering one’s gender identity can be one of the most challenging journeys a person endures. Although some individuals readily identify with their birth sex, others may not, causing them to face friction between their gender identity and sex. This friction commonly termed gender dysphoria, encompasses the distress an individual experiences from a “mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity” (Gender). These feelings may begin early in life. Many people remember as far as back as childhood, where they started noticing differences in how their bodies looked and how they felt inside. But, these discoveries can also be made later in life, from adulthood into seniority. 

These feelings, however, come with a price tag. The dissonance of gender dysphoria and ensuing shunning by society can often precipitate pernicious effects on a person’s mental, emotional, and even physical health. This can include feeling “different” from those around you, being bullied, lacking acceptance from loved ones, retaliation from disdainful people, and a myriad of other misfortunes. Not to mention, these conflicts often occur alongside other struggles in life such as managing school, finding jobs, building relationships, and grappling with a sense of who you are and your place in the world. 

Individuals who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth are at increased risk of a host of emotional and mental troubles. The shame, stigma, rejection, discrimination, and abuse that comes with unconventional gender identities are overwhelming. This can contribute to the development of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and even suicide. In fact, the rates of depression appear to be more than double those of their cisgender counterparts, as well as elevated rates of suicidal tendencies, social and generalized anxiety, and trauma exposure (Hayes-Skelton). But, it is important to recognize that gender diversity itself does not cause mental health conditions. Rather, societal constructs in tandem with the hostile pressures attached to them are largely responsible for these effects. 

Ways That Members of Gender Minorities Cope

Individuals with diverse gender identities may engage in different gender expressions or gender presentations. This can include using makeup, getting haircuts, and trying clothing styles that make them feel more aligned with their gender. Some individuals, such as trans men and women, may also undergo medical procedures to help their bodies be congruent with how they feel inside. These treatment options range from hormonal therapy to gender reassignment surgery. 

Others may undergo legal procedures, like getting their name changed, to signify their gender affirmation. This is also seen in the establishment of one’s pronouns. Society has progressed beyond only using the traditional he/him/his and she/her/hers pronouns. Pronouns like they/them/theirs or a lack of preferred pronouns and acceptance of any have become an increasingly popular decision.

One difficulty that the persistence of the gender binary has created is the process of coming out. Although this is often associated with individuals with varying sexual orientations, it is also a common process amongst people with diverse gender identities. To some, announcing their true identity to their friends and family is an important step in accepting their gender identity. But, being “out” may put some people at risk of discrimination, and remaining “in the closet” could be the safer decision. 

If You Are Suffering From Gender Dysphoria

Whatever your gender identity is, there are several things you can do to make yourself feel better. This includes social, legal, and medical steps you can take to help you get through this experience.

• Knowing You Are Not Alone: It is important to remember that there are other people like you and many of them experience the same emotions and questions that you do.
• Finding a Support Network: It can be comforting and helpful to talk to people who understand what you are going through. These people can be in your community or in online groups. This also means limiting your contact with people who are not supportive.
• Come Out Only When You Are Ready: There may be obstacles in your life that delay your coming out process and that is okay. The most important rule in coming out is to do it when you feel safe, comfortable, and ready. You may decide that you don’t want to come out, and that is ok too. 
• Sharing Your Pronouns: People address us daily and how they do can either honor or disrespect our identities. You should share your pronouns with those you feel safe with, so they can address you with words that affirm your identity. 
• Seeking Clinical Advice: Finding a therapist or other medical professional that supports your gender identity can be conducive to your journey. 
• Know That There Are Helplines Available: Organizations such as Fenway Health (http://fenwayhealth.org/care/wellness-resources/help-lines) and The Trevor Project (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/) can provide you unique, informative, and empathetic support. 

How to Help Gender Minorities

There are also steps that people can take to help those who are non-binary. But, do note, that the following list is not exhaustive, as there are a plethora of things that we should all do. Helping marginalized communities is a lifelong process of deconstructing learned ideas and reconstructing an open and accepting mindset. Here are some helpful tips to get started.

• Try to be as nonjudgmental and supportive as possible: It may take time for you to understand someone’s gender identity fully, but it is essential to be patient and empathetic in the process.
• Educate yourself: Be an active listener to members of the LGBTQ+ community, in general. Research topics related to the community and ask questions about things you may not understand while remaining sensitive in the way you discuss. 
• Practicing allyship: Stand up to people who may say insensitive or outright discriminatory things. Find ways in your community that you can take political steps to ensure equal rights for all people, regardless of their gender identity.
• Respect people’s preferred names and pronouns: If you do not know them, politely and privately ask them. If you accidentally mess up, simply apologize and use the correct words.

Concluding Remarks

Gender identity is a lifelong journey, and the consequences of certain identities are devastating. From the mental anguish to the emotional turmoil to the physical pain, individuals experiencing dissonance in their gender face a myriad of struggles. We all have a responsibility to make sure every person is understood, acknowledged, and respected in their identity. As society progresses beyond its rigid bounds of gender, we can finally begin to foster environments where every person feels accepted.

References

Gender Dysphoria. (2020, May 28). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/

Hayes-Skelton, S. (n.d.). Anxiety and Depression in Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals. https://adaa.org/sexual-gender-minority-individuals