For some trans and nonbinary people, hormone therapy is an important aspect of gender affirmation. Testosterone is commonly used in gender-affirming hormone therapy (also known as HRT) for those who want to masculinize their bodies. While high doses of testosterone are often associated with significant physical changes, low dose testosterone therapy can also be an
How old was I when I knew I was trans? I can’t give you a simple answer, because this question can mean a lot of different things. I’ve gotten similar questions about my childhood from a number of people, from those who knew me growing up and those who didn’t. Perhaps some parents are trying
Trans people have a right to healthcare. One of the most egregious pieces of anti-trans legislation in the US to date just passed in Kentucky. It targets gender-affirming health care for trans youth, insurance, doctors who provide gender-affirming care, legal name changes for youth, and more. If you want to read more about anti-trans legislation,
A chest binder is a garment similar to a tank top or sports bra, containing non-stretchy, flat pieces that shape your chest into a flatter silhouette. Chest binders are safe when worn correctly. For some people, the mental health benefits of seeing and feeling this flat shape of their chest are immense. In this post,
What is gender euphoria? It’s when someone feels good about about a gender-affirming experience. Cis people can experience gender euphoria too: think having fun trying on a fancy dress or having a girls night out, or attending a men’s discussion group or walking with a manly swagger. Trans people tend to notice gender euphoria more
Can gender dysphoria be treated, does it go away, or is it a lifelong occurrence? For some people, gender dysphoria can get better or worse over time. Gender dysphoria can intensely affect trans people. People can feel a disconnect between the shape and behavior of their body and their internal gender, and/or they can feel
Voices (and voice masculinization exercises) are really challenging! My partner asked me, “If you want to, why don’t you just speak in a lower voice?” It does seem like it should be straightforward, when you put it that way. A couple of things: lowness (or pitch) of the voice is not the most gendered characteristic.
Gender affirming hormone therapy treats gender dysphoria effectively and safely for some trans people. Not only that, it allows some trans people to express their true selves to the world through their bodies. Not all trans people choose to pursue gender affirming hormone therapy. It can be life changing for the better for the people
Trauma responses are partially instinctual, partially learned behaviors that people do involuntarily in stressful or abusive situations. A trauma response may not be entirely in response to the current situation. If what’s happening now reminds a person of past trauma, even subconsciously, they may react as if the past trauma is happening now. This post
Martial arts training is one of the few situations where people learn how to yell. Most children are told not to yell or to be quiet; some children more than others. “Use your indoor voice!” Yelling can be a means of violence. Like learning how to punch or kick, learning how to yell in an
