Embodying Trans Awareness in Everyday Life

Today is the last day of Transgender Awareness Week, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be thinking about how our words and actions can impact a trans person. Whether someone is  cisgendered, transgendered or somewhere in between, trans awareness extends beyond this week and should be a daily practice to ensure others feel safe in their own skin at home, at work, and wherever they may go. For many transgendered people, it can be difficult to navigate the negativity and awkward conversations that come with transitioning. For many cisgendered people, it can be difficult to understand what it is like to experience gender dysphoria, the feeling that you are a different gender than your physical body. Embodying trans awareness means staying conscious of the fact that gender dysphoria is real and transphobia is a reflection of fear and cultural influences. But by staying aware and proactively unlearning some of the stereotypes we learned in our upbringing, we can begin to better understand gender dysphoria and help create safe spaces for ourselves, our loved ones, and any transgendered or gender non-conforming people we meet.

Understanding Gender Dysphoria

Gender dysphoria is the uneasy feeling experienced by people who feel that their biological sex is different from the gender they identify with. Cisgendered people often have a hard time imagining what this might be like, but that doesn’t lessen the impact of those feelings on the person experiencing them. It’s more than a “Freaky Friday” moment, and it’s important to realize that gender is a full spectrum. It can be extremely uncomfortable to face traditional gender roles in one’s everyday life when one’s gender identity is misaligned with the gender others see on the outside. Being somewhere between the two binaries can be a scary feeling that leads to very real depression, anxiety and sexual/body image issues. Learn more about gender dysphoria with this resource from the American Psychiatric Association.

Creating Safe Spaces

The issue becomes more complicated when one’s transition begins and awkward conversations, uncertain glances, and just plain inappropriate commentary begin to crop up. But we can begin to create safe spaces by suspending judgements and actively working to reshape our understanding of gender by asking questions, doing our own homework and having honest, direct communication about our feelings. Remember that transgendered people are not obligated to share their experiences or educate us, but as in any relationship, sharing how speaking up about how something makes us feel and how we would like to be treated is a healthy form of communication. This goes for both sides. Creating a safe space means that all parties agree to strive to accept, appreciate and understand one another in spite of experiencing life differently.

If you are struggling with gender dysphoria, speaking with a counselor can help you retake your identity. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how the Relationship Center of Colorado can support you in your transition. And for more relationship advice and information on relationship therapy services, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!