Is it Possible to Experience Zero Dysphoria?
Dr. Z talks about the absence of gender dysphoria or absence of dysphoric feelings. She'll explain and discuss various problems associated with it. Most importantly, she'll explain what it means when someone says they don't experience dysphoria.
In the previous episode she talked about what causes dysphoric feelings and what constitutes dysphoria. As you recall, dysphoria is considered to be a feeling of discomfort—a feeling of unease and dissatisfaction with one's gender or anything gender related. Most people experience dysphoria ranging from mild to severe.
So what happens when someone says they don't experience any gender dysphoria at all?
Professionally speaking, what she's learned over the years of her work is that when someone says they don't experience gender dysphoria at all, what they really mean is one of two things: (1) they don't experience the severity of dysphoria such as strong dislike or even hate of their body parts, and (2) they experience discomfort but don't identify it as dysphoria.
Just think about it: why undergo any part of transition or any changes to gender expression if there is no discomfort?
Watch to find out what it means and why mild dysphoria doesn't discount your trans identity.
