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What is being transgender?

• ‘Transgender’ is a term used to describe someone who does not feel comfortable with the gender they were born as. For example, you may have been born a boy but inside you feel that you’re a girl.
• If you feel your body is the wrong gender for the way you feel, puberty can be a particularly difficult time because your body becomes more obviously the ‘wrong’ gender.
• Your gender identity is separate and different from your sexuality.

What is being transsexual?

• A transsexual person is someone who feels they were born the ‘wrong’ sex, and who would like to be accepted as a member of the opposite sex.
• Many transsexuals undergo surgery to change their bodies so that they are the sex they feel is right for them.

How do I know if I’m transgender?

• You may have felt like you are the ‘wrong’ gender, or that you are different from other people of the same gender. 
• You might have felt like this from a very young age, or since you started going through puberty.

What can I do if I’m transgender?

• The first step will be to talk to someone you trust about how you feel.
• Over time you can explore how you feel and decide what you would like to do. If you feel you are not in the right body, you may be thinking about getting medical advice.

What if people treat me differently?

• Unfortunately transgendered people do experience prejudice from others, as many people do not understand why a person might feel they have been born in the wrong body, or would like to cross dress.
• This type of prejudice is called transphobia and can make people feel worried and vulnerable.  You can get help at the Young People's UK Actionline.

What is being a transvestite?

• A transvestite or ‘cross-dresser’ is a person who likes to dress in the clothes usually associated with the opposite gender.
• Someone who is a transvestite does not necessarily want to change gender or physically change their bodies.

Intergender or Intersex

• People who are intergender or intersex are born with genitals that are neither fully male nor female.
• The terms can also be used to describe someone who doesn’t identify strongly as either male or female.

Who can I talk to?

Some people find joining a gay club or society really helpful, especially when they do not know many other transsexual people, as it can give them the opportunity to meet like-minded people.

Growing up as a transsexual is not always easy and it can be very helpful to meet other people who understand any worries or difficulties you may be having. Of course that does not mean that you can only have gay or bi friends, or that your straight friends won’t understand you.

Groups are run by qualified youth workers. These workers are happy to talk to parents too. You can find out about youth groups around the country at Queer Youth London.

You can find out more about transgender rights at the Equality and Human Rights Commission. 

If you have a question or are unsure about anything then ask a Talksafe Counsellor or Peer Mentor.

Links

NHS Choices: Transgender health

Gendered Intelligence website

Queer Youth Network

Last review: 03/06/11 - Next review: 03/06/13