In this episode, we have the opportunity to hear from Dr Louise Theodosiou, Consultant Adolescent Psychiatrist and Transition Clinical Lead for the Greater Manchester & Eastern Cheshire Strategic Clinical Network.
Louise shares her extensive knowledge and experience about gender identity and provides some very positive practical advice for both individuals and their support networks during a transition.
The message is about support and open-mindedness, listen in to find out more about what you can do.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- What is gender dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria is when a person has a gender identity that is different from the one assigned to them at birth.
- What is the difference between gender and sexuality?
Gender and sexuality are completely separate aspects of a person’s identity
Gender has 3 parts
The component connected with your chromosomes
The part that is gender expression
The aspect of gender identity, this element is a very complex part of someone’s identity
Some people want to express a feminine gender identity, others a male gender identity There will some who may want to express male aspects at some points female at others.
This is a very individual thing and you may be on this journey for the whole of your life.
Quite a lot of individuals will identify as heterosexual, a big cohort will describe themselves as gay with others identifying as pansexual.
- What are the challenges of expressing gender identity?
It's hugely important that those surrounding any individual who is exploring their gender identity are open minded.
Some people don’t want their gender identity to be fixed and it is important that there is that space for people to supported to be what they want to be.
For family members, there is lots of good information on both the Stonewall website and through the mermaid organisation.
The message from these organisations is about support, open-mindedness and about children being given education about their gender pitched at their developmental level.
It’s important that individuals are asked which pronoun they want to be identified with, this ensures nobody makes assumptions and everyone feels comfortable
Any organisation should be supportive and ensure the changes are made across all aspects.
It's about saying to people it's ok to make mistakes, we all sometimes refer to newly married friends by their prior name. For those changing gender identity, it's challenging when there is ongoing and deliberate misgendering. This is very painful and discriminatory
Our understanding is growing all the time. We know that not all people who explore their gender identity will transition. Be very clear that you are supportive. We know that gender expression is very complex and holding this in mind is very important.
- How can we approach this together?
Ask the questions - How can I support you? How do you want to do this?
Parents can support in accessing peer support. Working with others in the same locality who are on the same journey can be helpful and ensure that people stay safe.
BEST MOMENTS
‘If someone is transitioning their gender it doesn’t mean their life is on hold’
‘We need to work with someone’s healthcare needs whatever they are’
‘Making sure peoples practical needs are met’
‘There should be learning everywhere’
‘As a society, we should be very comfortable with an
