Questioning

Only you can determine your gender. The realization that you’re trans can happen in an instant or unfold over many years.

I think I might be trans

Some people know from a young age that the gender they were assigned at birth does not fit with who they really are. Some people come to this realization as adults.

There’s lots of social and cultural pressure to conform to rigid ideas about gender. This can make it difficult to understand a gender that differs from dominant expectations.

Examples of these rigid expectations include:

That everyone will identify with the sex they were assigned at birth

That there are only two genders and

That men should be masculine and women should be feminine

We now know that gender diversity exists across the globe and throughout history. Acknowledging and embracing your identity may involve unlearning some of these misconceptions.

Some people feel shame, guilt or other negative emotions when they consider the possibility that they might be trans. The truth is your gender is a beautiful part of yourself that deserves love and respect.

Gender exploration

As you better understand your gender, try replacing any negative messages about gender with more open and inclusive beliefs.

It might be helpful to consider that:

Gender is different from sex. Gender has to do with your deeply felt sense of yourself as female, male, both or neither. Sex has to do with your anatomy.

It is well documented that people throughout history and around the world have had a gender that was different from their sex.

Recognizing your sense of gender doesn’t require you to take any action. You can take your time. This is your path. You get to choose what steps you take, if any.

There are many well-documented gender identities between and beyond male and female. Examples include genderqueer, bigender, Two-Spirit and gender fluid identities.

Over time, you can try out ways to express yourself so that you feel aligned with your internal sense of your gender. As you feel ready, you will be able to sort out what feels best for you.

There is no right or wrong way to express your gender.

If you are starting to explore your gender, it may be helpful to get a foundation of gender concepts. Read our Understanding Gender section to learn more.

Questions to ask yourself

Letting go of longstanding ideas about gender can lead to a better understanding of who you really are. Here are some questions that can guide you as you reflect on your gender:

What ideas about gender did you grow up with? Were these ideas flexible or rigid? How does this early influence impact how you think about your gender today?

How did you learn ideas about gender? Where did they come from (school, parents, society, television, books)?

What got you first thinking about your own gender?

How would you describe your gender? Are there certain words that come to mind?

What do you know about the history of gender diversity in your culture?

What would create space to better understand your gender? Would talking to someone like a trained counsellor be helpful? What about peer support?

Are there people in your life who would be good to talk to about gender? What makes these people trustworthy? What would you like to share first?

While you are figuring things out, are there little things you can change, like clothing or hair, that might help you feel more aligned with your authentic gender?

Are there activities you want to participate in, but have avoided for gender-related reasons?

How do you want others to see you in terms of your gender?

Are the pronouns that people use for you fitting? For example, he, she, or they?

What feelings come up? Does thinking about your gender bring positive, negative or mixed emotions?

Learning more about your gender can be many things: confusing, scary or joyful. Having people to talk to about your gender can be helpful, whether that person is a friend, family member or counsellor. If distress, sadness, worry or other challenging emotions are surfacing when you think about your gender, it may be important to get some support.

What can I do to feel more positive about my trans identity?

If you know you are trans but struggling to embrace this part of yourself, you may want to find sources of affirmation.

Here are some trans-specific ideas:

Read or listen to books by trans authors

Meet and hang out with other trans people

Journal or write about your gender

Make art about your gender: collage, movies, cartoons, music, or another medium

Listen to music by trans musicians

Go to drag shows

Watch movies and TV shows that respectfully include trans characters

Seek out role models

General strategies for boosting your self-esteem can also help. You may want to ask a counsellor about recommended strategies and resources.