Transitioning with Confidence: Why Small Steps Can't Go Wrong!

Dr. Z delivers a direct message with some colorful language: you can't mess this up when you take small, incremental steps in gender exploration or transition. This message is particularly important for those in early stages who are terrified of taking first steps, or those somewhere along gender transition who remain scared to do other related things—perhaps on hormones but terrified of coming out at work, or presenting authentically, or pursuing gender-affirming surgery.

Small steps prevent disasters because they're intentionally designed as building blocks, with one step built upon another. For example, if you're still questioning your gender identity, your first step should involve asking yourself deep questions about gender, identity, and feelings—not immediately running to a clinic to start hormones. That would be skipping steps, which is how things go wrong.

Small steps are specifically designed to make you feel more in control of your life, something gender dysphoria strips away by spinning you out of control and creating deep anxiety. Each step should make you feel affirmed and confident—both in being more aligned with yourself and in knowing you're moving in the right direction.

Watch to understand why taking small, deliberate steps makes it virtually impossible to mess up your gender journey.