Gender dysphoria facts for kids

Gender dysphoria is a term used by psychologists and doctors. It describes when someone feels a strong mismatch between the gender they were told they were at birth and their inner sense of gender. It was once called "gender identity disorder," but that name isn't used anymore. It's important to know that gender dysphoria is not a mental illness. Instead, it's a condition that can cause a lot of stress, anxiety, and depression. For someone to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria, they need to have these strong feelings about their gender for a long time. It's not just about wanting to change for a benefit; it's a deep, lasting feeling.

Gender dysphoria can sometimes make people feel alone or separate from others. Boys, especially, might feel left out or teased, which can lead to low self-esteem. These feelings can sometimes make it hard to go to school or even cause them to stop going. Boys with gender dysphoria might also have feminine speech patterns and ways of acting.

What Gender Dysphoria Means

Gender dysphoria is about a deep feeling of discomfort or distress that happens when a person's assigned gender at birth (the gender they were identified as when they were born) doesn't match their true gender identity. Gender identity is a person's inner sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere else on the gender spectrum.

How it Feels

People with gender dysphoria might feel:

• Like they are living in the wrong body.
• A strong desire to be treated as a different gender.
• A wish for their body to look more like the gender they identify with.
• Distress about their physical features not matching their gender identity.

These feelings are very real and can be quite upsetting. It's not a choice, and it's not something someone can just "get over."

Support and Understanding

It's very important for people experiencing gender dysphoria to get support. This can come from family, friends, and professionals like doctors or therapists. Getting help can make a big difference in managing the stress and sadness that can come with gender dysphoria.

Finding Help

• Talking to someone: A trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or school counselor, can be a great first step.
• Medical and mental health professionals: Doctors and therapists who understand gender identity can offer support and guidance. They can help someone explore their feelings and find ways to feel more comfortable.
• Support groups: Sometimes, connecting with other young people who have similar experiences can be very helpful. It can make someone feel less alone and more understood.

Understanding and kindness from others are very important for young people with gender dysphoria. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and happy with who they are.

Images for kids

• 

  In 1990, Virginia Prince ended an article wishing her readers "gender euphoria."

See also

In Spanish: Disforia de género para niños