Campaigns and Hubs Trans+ Sexual Wellbeing Gender dysphoria | Trans+ Sexual Wellbeing Gender dysphoria is the distress or discomfort someone may feel when their gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender dysphoria is an experience that can impact people emotionally, physically and in social situations. It can present in many ways and can relate to different aspects of a trans person’s life, including names, body image and characteristics, voice, clothing, how others view them, among many others. Experiencing gender dysphoria can be exhausting and emotionally draining. You’re not alone in feeling this way. Gender dysphoria doesn’t just affect how we feel day to day — it can shape how safe we feel in our bodies, how we experience intimacy, and our confidence in relationships. On the opposite end of gender dysphoria is gender euphoria. This refers to feelings of joy, acceptance and comfort when a trans person’s gender identity is affirmed. Not all trans or non-binary people experience gender dysphoria, and for some people it may be mild, while for others it can be more intense. All experiences are valid How can gender dysphoria impact us? The impact gender dysphoria has may show up in many ways: Anxiety or depression Low self-esteem Stress Irritability Dissociation or feeling disconnected from our own body Strain on relationships Difficulties in our sex life Shame and self-stigma Isolation and loneliness Avoidance behaviours e.g. avoiding social situations, avoiding mirrors etc Many things can trigger or worsen gender dysphoria, such as: Being misgendered Accessing healthcare Dating Sex Social media Puberty Lack of gender affirmation Being stigmatised or othered Societal pressures Gender dysphoria may not feel constant and these feelings may fluctuate, but that doesn’t make them any less real of difficult to cope with. How can we handle gender dysphoria? While gender dysphoria can feel overwhelming and difficult to deal with, there are things you can do to lessen the impact: Do things to affirm your identity. Use your chosen name and pronouns in spaces where you feel safer. Wearing clothes, gender-affirming garments such as binders and gaffs, hairstyles or accessories that align with your gender identity or make you feel good can make you feel happier and more comfortable. Seek out safe spaces. Find spaces, both in-person and online, that affirm you and make you feel good about your gender identity. Speaking to people that have been through the same things as you can help. This could be LBTQ+ social groups and venues, sites and apps specifically for trans people, or community groups like LGBT HERO’s Trans+ HangOuts. See our Directory for more. Avoid triggering situations. Where possible, limit your time in spaces that could increase dysphoria and set boundaries around them. This could be in real life or online. Protecting your wellbeing is important Look at socially transitioning. This doesn’t have to be anything huge, but changing your name, using your chosen pronouns, or dressing or presenting how you feel can help affirm your gender. Look into gender-affirming healthcare (if it feels right to you). Taking hormones or medically transitioning through surgery can help gender dysphoria and bring relief and joy. However, you do not have to medically transition to be trans and some people don’t medically transition at all. Talk to healthcare professionals to explore what feels right to you. Talk to a therapist or counsellor. Support from professionals experienced in gender-affirming care can help you process gender dysphoria and the impacts, as well as help you develop coping strategies. Look after your sexual wellbeing. Gender dysphoria can impact our sex lives and relationships. Open communication with partners about boundaries, language and what feels affirming can help, as well as looking after our own sexual health through testing and prevention like PrEP and DoxyPEP. It’s okay to take things at your own pace and make choices that feel safe for you Further help and support The Gender Clinic - offers psychological assessments and diagnoses for people over 18 suffering from gender dysphoria. 56 Dean Street - has dedicated trans and non-binary services Trans Unite - connecting you to trans support groups near you. Black Trans Alliance - supporting black trans and non-binary people in London and the wider community. Mermaids - supporting trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people. CliniQ - offers holistic sexual health, mental health, and wellbeing service for all trans people. Trans+ HangOuts - online community group for all trans+ people. Manage Cookie Preferences