Everyone identifies themselves as being unique, which can be even more so for the LGBTQ+ community. We’re going to discuss gender identity and how online counseling for kids can be beneficial.
Definition of Gender Identity
Gender identity is a person’s personal sense of gender. It correlates with the sex assigned at birth, but it can also be different. Gender expression reflects your gender identity at times, but that doesn’t always happen.
Often, a person’s gender is identified by age three. It’s harder to change after that. If you do try to reassign it, you could develop gender dysphoria. Sex and gender don’t have to go hand-in-hand. In the past, people could choose between males and females and had to go with the sex they were assigned when born.
However, many people have masculine or feminine qualities that don’t align with their sex. This can lead to gender identity disorder if you aren’t allowed to live as the gender you recognize.
There is plenty of gender diversity among people, so it’s important to understand gender and the various terms they might use.
Terms can include:
- Non-binary and genderqueer are umbrella terms that mean the gender identity isn’t feminine or masculine. However, they aren’t binary, either.
- Transgender indicates a gender expression that’s different from what’s assigned at birth. Often, transgender people require medical assistance so that they can transition from that sex to the other. Sometimes, the term is utilized to talk about non-binary people, such as those who are bigender, pangender, and the like.
- Third-gender can be a self-category or one recognized by society. You don’t associate as a man or woman.
- Gender binary indicates the male and female genders only. Many cultures and countries are doing away with this option and allowing people to choose their own gender.
Remember, sex and gender are terms used interchangeably. While they’re connected, they aren’t the same. Often, when you are born, you’re labeled as boys and girls based on the genitals seen. Once it’s assigned, that’s the presumed gender. Most people align their assumptions and ideas based on that, but some choose a different gender role.
Sexual orientation is also different than gender, though they’re related. Gender is how you see yourself, and sexual orientation is who you are romantically attracted to and who you are emotionally and physically.
Tips on Approaching Family Members and Friends
If you find that you were a female at birth but believe yourself to be male or don’t associate with any gender-specific options, you may find it hard to seek health care from appropriate sources. Life might be a challenge for you, and it could be difficult for you to talk to your friends and family about this.
Before you sit down and discuss things with them, tell them that this conversation is important. It means a lot to you, and you’re not going to change just because they dislike it or can’t come to terms with it. Often, this is the first realization that your parents have that you want things to change.
They have probably noticed a few things, but they waited for you to be sure and talk to them. Now is the time to be honest. Your friends and family members are probably going to have questions. Be open to answering them, but don’t allow them to ridicule you. Remind them that this is something you have thought of and considered for a long time. If they aren’t up to the task of being kind, ask for a reprieve and wait until they’ve had time to think about things more.
How Online Therapy Can Help
Online counseling for teenagers can be highly beneficial. You may not know which gender you identify with or whether you have one. This is okay, but it helps to talk to someone who can walk you through the process.
Once you do understand who you are and which personal choice you’ve made, online counseling for families might be the next step. It’s hard for you to understand yourself, but it’s even harder for siblings, parents, and the like. Everyone should feel comfortable with your decision, but this can take time.
It’s often hard to schedule a time where everyone can go to the same location together. Therefore, online therapy might be best. No one has to get dressed up, and other things can still go on around you, such as preparing meals.
Conclusion
When it comes to your gender identity, it’s hard to understand yourself at times. Therefore, counseling could be the best choice for you. It’s easier to learn more about yourself and what you want from life. Also, you can involve your family, and everyone can have a safe way to talk about the issues they and you face.
Pride Counseling is an excellent choice, as it’s online, and it’s open 24/7. Therefore, you can always find someone to talk to when necessary.
