Changing Your Gender

Gender transition is different for each person. There aren’t any specific steps required for someone to transition — it’s all about what feels right for you. It’s sort of like a buffet, where you can try everything, a few things, or nothing at all. Also, you may not want or have access to some kinds of transition.

What does it mean to transition?
Transitioning is about making changes so that you can live in your gender identity. These changes can include changing your name or getting gender-affirming medical care. People often transition to reduce gender dysphoria and/or increase gender euphoria.
How long does transitioning take?

Transitioning isn’t necessarily a straight line or direct route. Transitioning can be a long and ongoing process, or it can happen over a short period of time. You might try out different things as you learn what’s best for you.

The transition process is about becoming more fully yourself — in body, mind, and relationships. So, people sometimes call transitioning “congruence.”

How do I start transitioning?
You can start by learning about the different areas of transition, or ways to affirm your gender: 

• internal
• social
• legal
• physical (medical and non-medical)
• Internal transition changes the way you see yourself.

You might try dressing differently when you’re by yourself, calling yourself by a different name only in your head, or practice using your voice differently. 

You might start to notice times that you feel gender dysphoria or gender euphoria. Other people might not know about or be able to see this kind of transition.

Social transitioning may include things like:

• coming out to your friends and family as transgender or nonbinary;
• asking people to use pronouns that feel right for you;
• going by a different name;
• dressing/grooming in ways that feel right for you when other people can see you; and
• using your voice differently when talking to other people.

Legal transition changes information about your gender in official records and government documents.

While the laws vary in different states, you might legally change your name and/or gender marker on formal records, like:

• your driver’s license, state ID, or passport;
• your birth certificate;
• your social security number;
• your immigration documents, permanent resident card, or naturalization certificate; with your school or employer; and
• with your doctor or health insurance.

Some kinds of legal transition require paperwork and can be expensive. Some can be free and pretty easy. It depends on where you live and what you want to change.

Learn how to change your name and/or gender marker on legal documents at the National Center for Transgender Equality.     READ MORE...