How do I know if I am Trans?

There is no right way for a person to figure out that they are trans. You are the expert on yourself. You can explore your gender identity and decide what is right for you.

Being transgender or cisgender is about how you feel about your gender identity. Nobody can make a person be transgender, just like nobody can make a person be cisgender.

Certain things may help you understand if you are trans, such as feeling uncomfortable with:

• Gender-specific parts of your body.
• Being referred to as a boy/girl, man/woman.
• The development of sex characteristics such as breasts and facial hair. This may result in a heightened level of body image issues. Gender dysphoria is a term used to describe this discomfort.

If I am not sure, what do I do?

• Write and/or talk about how you are feeling in a journal or with someone you trust. If you decide to talk to someone, it is important to choose the right person, and ideally someone who understands trans topics.
• Meet with a youth worker or therapist at Belong To, at your school, college or university, or with an adult you trust.
• Join a trans youth group such as the Belong To group for trans and non-binary people called IndividualiTy. If you cannot find a trans group close to home, consider attending an LGBTQ+ youth group.
• Talk to your GP or another medical professional about how you are feeling.
• Get in touch with us for more support and advice.

I think I am trans, what now?

• Express your gender identity in a way that feels right for you. Small steps in doing this can make a big difference.
• Try out a different name and/or different pronoun (he, she, or gender-neutral pronouns like ze/they) when you refer to yourself in a diary, journal or on social media.
• It is important to remember that you can use whatever name and pronoun you feel comfortable with.
• It is OK to have whatever gender identity that you feel comfortable with, and only you can decide what that is.
• Your gender identity is one part of who you are, and regardless how you identify, it is not the only thing that defines you.
• Talking to others that have been through the same or similar situation can be really helpful.

Coming Out As Trans