Are you transgender?
How do you know if you’re transgender? For some it's as clear as can be. For others it's not so simple. Ultimately, you're the only one who knows what you are, however difficult it is to categorise.
Here's how to find out: tips
Trust your feelings and allow yourself the time to find out.
- Find information about transgender and gender dysphoria or gender incongruence on the internet.
- Read personal experiences of young transgender people or watch videos.
- Seek contact with young transpeople, and talk about it.
- Talk about it with someone you trust. That could also be a care worker.
Others like you
Maybe you think you're the only one, but that's not true! Look for and get in touch with other transgender people. This is the way to find out who you are, and what you need. And you won't feel quite so ‘different’.
Telling people
It can be good to tell someone you are transgender, or think you might be. That may be your parents, your friends or someone you trust. Or a care worker. You can tell them your story. They can guide you when you are ready to tell your parents, family or friends.
Transitioning
When you start living ‘in’ the gender you feel comfortable with, this is called: transitioning. You start to live according to how you feel: as a woman, a man, something in between or outside of the two. Not all transgender people want to transition. Find out what best suits you, and what your needs are.
Transition process
This is what you can do while you are transitioning:
- Ask people around you to call you ‘he’ or ‘she’ when you’ve decided how you want them to refer to you. Maybe you don’t want them to use either.
- Choose a new name.
- Change your appearance, for example with clothing, make up, hairstyle.
- You may want to take hormones and have surgery to change your body.
Gender reassignment
Maybe you have a deep-seated wish to change your body with hormones and surgery. This is called gender reassignment surgery. This is not only about your genitals, but may include hair growth, your voice and your fat distribution. To do this you can go to the gender clinic at 1 of 2 hospitals in the Netherlands: VUmc in Amsterdam and UMCG in Groningen (for over 18s).
Want to talk or need help?
Do you have transgender feelings? Talking about it is a relief! Perhaps with your parents or someone you know, with other young transgender people, or with a care worker who is also transgender. Seeking help.