Grieving Old Self! Are You Dying or Evolving?
Dr. Z shares her perspective on how to process your relationship with your old self after gender transition. Many people struggle looking at old photos or wonder how to "grieve" their gender assigned at birth. Some use terms like "deadname" suggesting a part of them has died—but Dr. Z argues this isn't psychologically accurate.
Nothing truly dies. Instead, you've evolved. The person you used to be evolved into who you are today, just as you'll continue evolving years from now. Your gender identity may be fixed or mutable, but the key is understanding you're constantly evolving—not that parts of you are dying.
Rather than grieving, Dr. Z recommends acknowledgment, respect, and celebration. Celebrate the growth you've been through. Leveling up and stepping into your authentic self isn't easy—you went through fear, resistance, and countless challenges. You deserve to celebrate your resilience and ability to own who you are unapologetically.
The old part of you is still there, just different now—part of your authentic self. Some artificial aspects of your assigned gender were dropped because they no longer serve you, but so many aspects of who you are remain.
Watch to learn why celebration beats grieving every time.
