Pornography, Compulsive Masturbation & Gender.
How do pornography, compulsive masturbation, and gender identity co-exist and overlap? Many adults have spent time watching transgender pornography or pornography where they imagine themselves as the gender they actually identify with. It's sexually appealing, arousing, and you masturbate to it. But what does it say about your gender? Especially when you realize you're transgender, you get confused—to what extent did engagement with pornography contribute? Are you questioning the authenticity of your gender identity?
Why you're drawn to certain pornography: Masturbation is private, which enables you to connect to a part of yourself and step into a fantasy where you take on the form of that body. Similar to gaming—picking a character of the gender you desire to be. It happens subconsciously; you're not sure why it's attractive.
Why compulsive masturbation develops: Dysphoria is bugging you (whether conscious or not), you're seeking relief. Intimacy with partners suffers because you're not comfortable in your body. You come home and go to what gives relief—masturbating to a fantasy of yourself in the form of the gender you feel closer to.
Watch to find out Dr. Z's answer to whether pornography forms gender identity in adults.
