Hiding in Plain Sight: When Community Becomes Camouflage | Trans Talk

Dr. Z addresses what happens when individuals use the transgender or broader LGBTQIA+ community as a crutch to avoid taking necessary steps in their own lives. This message comes with genuine care and concern for those who need to hear it.

Many individuals struggle with gender dysphoria while wondering whether they might be trans, while others already know they're trans but avoid taking action. This avoidance is completely understandable and reasonable—contemplating the steps required feels overwhelming and terrifying. Exposure to stories about losing friends, family, loved ones, and employment creates legitimate fear about moving forward.

A common pattern emerges: staying closely connected to the LGBTQIA+ and trans community through support groups, online communities, and virtual meetings while remaining on the fence for extended periods. The painful truth is that being in proximity to others who are living their lives authentically does not equate to living your own. Living vicariously through proximity makes dysphoria feel temporarily better, but it doesn't make it disappear.

There's a significant difference between avoiding something for days or weeks while gathering courage, versus avoiding it for years while using community connection as a substitute for personal action.

Watch to understand whether community involvement has become a crutch preventing you from taking your own essential next steps.