[bronzeowl]

Figured that now that we have a board for this, I'd take a shot at asking for opinions/experience regarding it.

I have known for quite some time that I have issues with my body and my gender. I really don't need a doctor to 'label' me to know. I've always believed that knowing is kind of... innate to a point. We might not know what to call it, or if it's true or just a passing thought, but there's a part that 'knows'. And once you accept it, a label is just an added benefit.

Now that I'm in therapy and seeing a psychologist regularly, I've been thinking and wondering if it's worth bringing up my gender identity. Has anyone who identifies as trans or other on the gender spectrum brought it up? And if so, what was your experience?

[AliceJ3]

I find that it's different for everyone, some people like to express themselves more than others and tell everyone and other people are pretty content to just go along with it. I guess it really depends on how their gender identity affects them and how big a deal the world around them makes of it. At least that's how I've seen it.

I've brought it up to some very close friends that I was trans (male to female) and for they've given me a really positive reaction. My father just took it awkwardly but still kindly .

[bronzeowl]

I'm glad to hear you've had mostly positive reactions.

My problem is, that I think it does affect the world around me. If that makes sense? Not necessarily because I can't accept it, but because of the other things that come along with it. Being pre-op (and likely will remain that way forever), I have trouble dealing with the er... physical parts. I guess it might help to talk about that some in therapy. It's just that I am a bit afraid of how people will react.

Thanks for your input. I'm one of those that doesn't always express myself. Not because I don't want to. More or less because i just have trouble doing so.

[AliceJ3]

I know exactly what you meant about it affecting the world around you, because it is a "problem" with the physical makeup of your body. Naturally that's a tough thing to cope with and a lot of people struggle in that regard, so because of that it's usually a good idea to talk about it to someone and express it, though some people make that hard.

[Grey Matter]

I have found it helpful to talk about, but, sadly, it took me a while to find a therapist that does not automatically assume there is a problem simply because my gender identity is in the minority. It helps a lot. Just evaluate your therapist and try and rationally act out how it may go. It's something that helps to talk about because we constantly feel shushed about it, really.