info@queerjoytherapy.com
114 Maitland Street, Toronto
info@queerjoytherapy.com
114 Maitland Street, Toronto
Every year, Trans Awareness Month is a time to honor and celebrate the lives of transgender people and their allies who stand up to share their stories, show their true selves, and advocate for understanding and respect. Yet, despite this, fear and misinformation about the transgender community still persist in public spaces. This problem is often exacerbated by certain political leaders, such as those in the Trump administration, who fuel transphobic myths. These misconceptions not only harm the mental and physical well-being of transgender individuals but also create a climate of fear and rejection. This month, we commit to understanding the true needs and challenges facing the transgender community, aiming to break down prejudice and promote respect.
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Yijia is a proud Queer Asian therapist, based in Tkaronto (colonially known as Toronto)
One of the biggest myths about transgender youth is the claim that they’re being “forced into gender changes.” In reality, this notion is inaccurate and dismissive of what transgender youth genuinely need. Transgender youth are not being “forced” into anything. Gender-affirming medical interventions, such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy, are provided to create a safer environment for transgender teens to grow and develop. Studies show that these affirming interventions, with a regret rate well below 1%, result in healthier and happier outcomes for these young people. These measures aren’t about “changing” someone’s gender; they’re about giving transgender children a chance to thrive in a caring, accepting environment.
Respecting someone’s identity starts with using the right terms. Pronouns are more than just words; they are extensions of a person’s identity. Using the wrong pronouns can make transgender individuals feel invalidated and unseen, while respecting someone’s pronouns affirms their identity and shows support. According to Pronouns.org, using correct pronouns not only promotes a sense of safety but also benefits transgender people’s mental health. Studies indicate that when transgender people are referred to by their correct pronouns in daily life, their levels of anxiety and depression significantly decrease. Therefore, using pronouns correctly isn’t just about respect—it’s a powerful way to support someone’s mental health.
Another widespread myth is that “many transgender people regret their surgeries.” In reality, the regret rate for gender-affirming surgeries is less than 1%, even lower than the rate for knee surgeries. Research has shown that these surgeries lead to significant improvements in both life quality and mental health for transgender people, with the majority expressing satisfaction with their decision. Gender-affirming medical procedures are decisions made after thorough consultation and careful consideration, aimed at improving the lives of transgender individuals—not impulsive choices. Contrary to popular belief, gender-affirming surgeries have high success and satisfaction rates, and they serve as essential paths for transgender people to pursue healthy, fulfilling lives.
It’s actually intersex people, not transgender individuals, who are often subjected to gender-altering surgeries without consent in infancy. Intersex individuals are those whose biological characteristics don’t fit typical definitions of “male” or “female.” In the past, many intersex children were assigned surgeries as infants, before they had any ability to make decisions for themselves, to “fit” them into a binary gender system. These surgeries were often conducted at the direction of doctors and parents, with little regard for the child’s future preferences. This approach not only disregards respect but often sacrifices a child’s future well-being for social conformity. Transgender people, in contrast, are not advocating for any surgeries to be done on unconscious children; they simply want the opportunity to live at their own pace with the appropriate support and acknowledgment.ConclusionThis Trans Awareness Month, let us reaffirm our support for the transgender community and our commitment to rejecting prejudice. The presence and needs of transgender people are both real and valid. By using the correct pronouns, supporting their gender-affirming journeys, and rejecting baseless myths, we can work together to create a more inclusive and respectful society. Everyone deserves the right to live authentically in an environment of understanding and respect. Today, let’s celebrate the courage of transgender individuals and pledge to continue supporting and protecting their dignity in the days to come.
