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Young transgenders are having a hard time during their teenage years. A lot of them are due to their gender identity. We need to understand them and accept them for what they are. There are a lot of transgender people that you can see on social media who have become successful despite the discrimination that they receive. If you are curious about transgender people, you can try talking to one or connect with Transgender OnlyFans creators to view how they live their lives. In this article, we will talk about transgender people, specifically teens, the problems that they face, and how we can provide support for them.
What is a Transgender?
Transgenders are people who don’t behave in a way that is normally associated with their biological sex, also known as the gender they were assigned at birth. They are sometimes referred to as trans, trans male/female for short.
Identity Development
Many transgender people claim that they were quite young when they first realized they were transgender. Others continue to explore their transgender identities far into their adolescent or adult years. When it comes to their gender identification, some transgender teens go through what is sometimes referred to as a transgender identity crisis. Sometimes, youngsters or teenagers are trans but are hesitant to come out. They might be worried about being rejected, being mocked, or being bullied. Teens who identify as transgender may first come out as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. The early uncertainty and worry typically give way to experimentation, slow acceptance, and eventually, integration and expression of one’s identity. Being able to fully express one’s gender and having a sense of self are crucial. Additionally, having a secure environment in which to try different things on how they presented their gender was important for their process of developing an identity.
Transitioning of Transgenders
Transgender persons express their gender identities differently depending on whether or not they transition. Some people get surgery, hormone therapy, or both to change their bodies to fit their gender identity. Without making significant physical changes, some people alter their behavior and even the way they dress. Young transgender people can start social transitioning at any age. They often transition by coming out to their relatives and friends, using pronouns that match their chosen gender, using a different name, and dressing in accordance with their gender identity.
Problems Faced by Trans Teens
A lot of trans teens are experiencing problems due to their gender identity. These can cause depression and sometimes make them suicidal. Here are some of the problems that transgender people face:
Family Rejection
Transgender teens can be rejected by their families, usually if they are from conservative ones. The worst outcome of coming out for transgender teenagers is rejection by family members. One of the biggest dangers to trans teens’ mental health and safety is familial rejection. Sometimes it could lead to them being homeless.
Bullying and Discrimination
Many transgenders are victims of hate crimes. They also experience discrimination, which sometimes deprives them of opportunities in life. Bullying, cyberbullying, prejudice, and violence can all have a detrimental effect on the mental health of a transgender teen.
How to Support Transgender Teens
Supporting transgender teens can help them to become fully functioning adults. If they feel that they are accepted, it will boost their confidence and allow them to reach their full potential in life. The support from their own parents is the most important for these teens. Here are some ways on how we can show them our support:
Avoid Misgendering
Always use the names and pronouns that the trans teen prefers. Although it may seem insignificant, this is crucial for transgender youth’s mental health as it is a way of showing that they are accepted. A recent study has shown that the youth who identify as transgender or nonbinary and whose pronouns are respected by the people they live with are half as likely to attempt suicide.
Know More About Them
Being informed will help you to become more understanding towards transgender people. You can do this by reading, going to conferences, and talking to specialists. It will also help you to become knowledgeable about the problems that transgender teens are currently experiencing and will experience as adults. Find support services for parents of transgender children.
Let them Take the Lead on their Own Life
You should not assume that you know what’s best for them. Do not also make assumptions about their plans during their transition. Give them encouragement in their exploration of their gender expression and identity. If your teen son claims that she feels more feminine on the inside, encourage, but do not force them to adopt a new name, haircut, or fashion statement. Let them know that you will support them at all times.
Be Open for Communication
No matter how busy you both are, make an effort to have a meaningful conversation with your teenager every day. Additionally, parents should often assess their own mental health. Help your teen make contact with a mental health professional, school guidance counselor, or a member of the local LGBTQ community if they feel more at ease talking to someone other than the family.
Get Professional Support
Make sure your teen and you have a professional support group for the next steps in the transitional process. Talk to doctors, mental health providers, therapists, and school professionals. This can help you to know what to do if a transgender teen needs you.
Be an Advocate
Learn more about transgender rights and policies, and support laws and candidates who will do their best to prevent prejudice against transgender individuals. Promote acceptance of trans teenagers by denouncing transphobia and requesting that people respect their identity.
Takeaway
Being there for our transgender teens will help them avoid mental health issues. They are suffering a lot of problems and negative things from the outside world, so we should try our best not to add to it. Though not everyone will accept them, it is important to show them that their loved ones are willing to.
