On Being Transgender: Young Adult Experiences and Perspectives

Transgender young adults face a unique set of challenges and experiences as they navigate their identity and transition in a world that is often unwelcoming and even hostile towards them. This article explores the complexities of being transgender in young adulthood, examining the challenges they face, the support they need, and the resilience they demonstrate.

Before I Had the Words: On Being a Transgender Young Adult

by Skylar Kergil

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1180 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE

The Challenges of Being Transgender in Young Adulthood

Transgender young adults face a number of challenges that their cisgender peers do not. These include:

• Discrimination and prejudice: Transgender young adults are often the target of discrimination and prejudice, both from individuals and from institutions. They may experience verbal harassment, physical violence, and social exclusion.
• Mental health issues: Transgender young adults are at a higher risk for mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. This is due to the stress of discrimination, social isolation, and the challenges of transitioning.
• Access to healthcare: Transgender young adults often have difficulty accessing healthcare that is sensitive to their needs. They may face discrimination from healthcare providers, and they may not be able to find providers who are knowledgeable about transgender health care.
• Education and employment: Transgender young adults may face discrimination in education and employment. They may be harassed or bullied by peers and teachers, and they may be denied access to opportunities that are available to their cisgender peers.

The Support Transgender Young Adults Need

Transgender young adults need a number of supports to help them navigate the challenges they face. These include:

• Family and friends: Family and friends can provide transgender young adults with love, support, and validation. They can help them to feel accepted and understood.
• LGBTQ+ community: The LGBTQ+ community can provide transgender young adults with a sense of belonging and support. They can connect with other transgender people who understand their experiences and can offer them guidance and advice.
• Mental health professionals: Mental health professionals can help transgender young adults to cope with the stress of discrimination and transition. They can provide them with counseling and support, and they can help them to develop coping mechanisms.
• Healthcare providers: Healthcare providers who are sensitive to the needs of transgender young adults can provide them with the care they need. They can help them to manage their hormones, and they can provide them with information about other aspects of transition.
• Educational and employment allies: Educational and employment allies can help transgender young adults to access the opportunities that are available to them. They can advocate for their rights, and they can help them to find safe and supportive environments.

The Resilience of Transgender Young Adults

Despite the challenges they face, transgender young adults are often incredibly resilient. They demonstrate strength and courage in the face of adversity, and they are determined to live their lives authentically. They are role models for other transgender people, and they are a source of inspiration for all who believe in equality and justice.

Being transgender in young adulthood is a complex and challenging experience. However, with the support of family, friends, community, and healthcare providers, transgender young adults can overcome the challenges they face and live their lives to the fullest. They are resilient, determined, and inspiring, and they deserve to be celebrated.

Before I Had the Words: On Being a Transgender Young Adult

by Skylar Kergil

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1180 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE