What to Remember If You Are Questioning Your Gender
Our society considers gender as something that is assigned to us at birth. It considered to be determined by biology, without psychology or emotions having any role to play. The reality, however, is that gender identity isn’t as binary or fixed as we are told from day #1.
While concepts like gender fluidity have received some recognition in recent years, the fight to establish someone’s choice in terms of the gender they are most comfortable identifying with still is a touchy subject in many parts of the world. A person who feels they do not relate to being either a man or woman at all times can often times face a hard time finding clarity in life.
However, if you are going through a period of doubt regarding your gender, remember that you are not alone. The percentage of trans adults (people whose gender is not the same as their assigned gender from birth), has doubled in the past 10 years, from 0.3% to 0.6%, says an article on Houston Chronicle. This can be due to the rising awareness from the media and online communities.
If you have been questioning your gender, you might be experiencing a plethora of emotions. It is completely normal and okay to feel this way, and to make it easier for you, here are some things that you should remember.
Change Your Mindset
The first thing you need to remember is that there is no rush to determine your gender. You need to go at your own pace and take on the journey of discovery with patience. Keep your mind open to all possibilities while seeking answers, and remember that gender isn’t black and white; it is a spectrum, says an article by the Institute for Personal Growth.
This journey is going to be a way of knowing about an identity that will make you feel more comfortable throughout your life.
Introspect and Ask Questions
Some of the things you can ask yourself while embarking on this journey are:
- Am I okay with being identified as a man or a woman?
- Does my current gender assignment make me feel anxious or confined?
- Is my current gender in sync with the kind of person I am?
- Do I imagine a world where there are more than two genders or none at all?
These questions will help you understand your comfort level with the preassigned gender.
Learn about Non-Binary Terms
Understanding genders beyond only male or only female will help you to learn what you aren’t and help to clear some of your doubts. If any of the terms bear resemblance to your own preferences, note them down and use them as a way of understanding your own non-binary gender identity.
Non-binary genders deserve equal rights as that given to a man or a woman, says a report by the Open Society Foundations. So, don’t limit yourself on your path of discovery.
