2 Groups of People Who Feel Not 100% Sure to Start HRT?
When it comes to starting HRT, rarely have I observed people claiming to be 100% sure!
That’s normal. It’s even healthy to have a degree of uncertainty. That’s because you are about to embark on a regimen that will alter your physical and psychological Self.
While exciting, it is also terrifying. But the truth is you just can’t outrun dysphoria!
And if you hanve’t already, make sure to watch this top videos: Here is Why You Can’t Outrun Gender Dysphoria!
You may find yourself feeling unsure for various reasons;
Questioning your gender identity
Terror of starting transition
Fear of not passing
Coming out as trans
Financial anxiety
Health concerns
You most likely will fall into two categories of people feeling ambivalent about starting HRT.
#1 YOU ARE UNSURE OF YOUR IDENTITY
Find yourself in the first category? Know that you are not alone!
Many trans people feel uncertain about their gender identity.
To be more precise - they know they are trans. But have a small nagging feeling of “what if I am not?”
Recognize that nagging feeling. Sit with it. Name it.
Is it coming from a place of fear? Are you afraid of what others might think? Scared you might not pass?
Or is it coming from a place of Self doubt? Questioning your gender expression vs gender identity vs gender role? If that’s the case, allow yourself time to explore. Experiment with gender expression and the gender role you feel more comfortable with.
#2 YOU ARE SURE YOU ARE TRANS BUT FEEL UNSURE TO START TRANSITION
Maybe you find yourself in the second group. Certain of your gender idenity but questioning whether you should start transition?
Stop! And acknowledge the validity of your feelings!
Look. Gender transition is a serious business. With various stages involved and if you want more info I encourage you to watch What Are Stages of Gender Transition? and Is Gender Transition a Linear Process?
It is also incredibly costly at that. Both financially and emotionally. Often with personal losses. And you are supposed to feel 100% certain about it?!?
Sure you may feel 100% certain that’s what you want to do. But questioning whether now is a right time is another matter.
That’s why many trans people are almost never 100% sure when they start HRT.
To be frank, starting HRT with some room for uncertainty is necessary.
Why? Because it forces you to dig deep and ask yourself important questions about your gender identity.
The goal here is not to achieve 100% certainty.
But to engage in gender transition related steps, including HRT, to affirm your sense of identity. Every step of the way ask yourself if what you are doing feels right! If it is, then know you are on the right path.
If you continue to question your gender identity or feel your uncertainty increasing, stop.
Engage in additional self exploration. This can range from engaging in therapy to attending gender diverse groups to journaling about your feelings. The list is endless.
But realize that many trans people are not 100% sure! So stop chasing percentages and start living your life!
