How Lack of Body Autonomy May Lead to Doubting Identity.
Needing surgery letters after already being on hormones makes you question if you're trans—Dr. Z explains why this archaic system is disempowering and traumatic.
Body autonomy is your capacity to make decisions for yourself, especially regarding your body and what it needs. Here's the discrepancy: You went to a medical doctor who practiced informed consent, assessed for gender dysphoria, went over risks and benefits of hormones, and prescribed them. They put gender dysphoria diagnosis in your medical system—otherwise why prescribe hormones?
You've been on hormones 6 months to 5 years. You've affirmed for yourself this feels right, aligned with who you are. You feel confident in your identity, no longer questioning if you're trans or if your mind is making it up. Now you're ready for surgery. The medical doctor says "you need a therapist letter certifying you have gender dysphoria and can make informed decisions."
This makes you question: Am I really transgender? It's traumatic after being on hormones and feeling affirmed to sit in front of another professional questioning whether you truly have dysphoria. This process is disempowering—robs you of knowing what's best for you, robs you of trusting yourself.
Watch to find out why some therapists spend 6 months to a year validating dysphoria while you're already on hormones doing social transition, why this gatekeeping creates a mindfuck, and why you already demonstrated capacity to consent responsibly.
