Imagine how uncomfortable it would be to be trapped in somebody else’s body or one that you feel doesn’t identify you. A huge part of this process is gender affirmation.
Gender affirmation are the steps and actions made to help a person live according to their gender identity. When you hear this, people directly presume surgery and medical intervention, however there are many forms of affirmation. Social affirmation is using someone’s correct name and pronouns, maybe changing style and gender expression. Legal affirmation can include changing your legal name and official documentation. Psychological affirmation is essential, with mental health support helping people come to terms with everything and validating their gender identity. Finally, medical affirmation, includes hormone therapy, puberty blockers and surgery (genital and/or facial).
It is important to understand that no two transexual and non-binary experiences are the same. Not everyone will feel the need to undergo surgery or physical changes or change their legal name, and people will make these decisions at different speeds.
Gender affirmation, no matter what form, reduces anxiety, depression, suicide risk and increases self-confidence. In our latest episode, we sat with Lilia Koss, who works at a gender affirmation clinic which focuses on facial surgery. She explained the complex process of acceptance when going through this and the importance of allies for support.
