Someone confided this with me and I am wondering what I should say....do you have any advice I can pass along?
2007-07-13 13:52:29 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
Gender is internal. It's not the outside but the inside you need to understand....and until your inside and outside match you will always struggle to find peace and happiness.
2007-07-13 14:00:31 · answer #1 · answered by westfield47130 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Your question is extremely vague, but I shall attempt to help. Its not as simple as a photograph, and gender identity can be confusing in these times of free acceptance. The very first thing I would do is to suggest a visit to an Endocrinologist, to check hormone levels, they may just be out of balance. If your friend checks out, and is an adult according to local laws, the next step is enrich him/her self with the company of both sexes. Sexual experimentation may prove helpful also, however, your friend must entertain each gender SEPARATELY; do not attempt them together, nor alternate. This should be done with prolonged intervals, say six months with one gender, followed by a two month break,, then six months with the other. This should help him/her gain a better understanding of him/herself and enable him/her to make up their mind.
2007-07-13 21:13:44 · answer #2 · answered by nanleemorales 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As A retired Social Worker, I would recommend for that person to attend some group meetings with the same gender identity people that deal with that subject.
If your city has a stonewall center also called Gay,Lesbian,Bisexual center he/she can find support there or at least get the necessary referrals.
Hope that helps.
You might also find some information at www.hrc.org
2007-07-13 21:41:46 · answer #3 · answered by angelikabertrand64 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Very few people are content with their appearance, self image and/or with their identity. Gender is just a way more difficult one to come to terms with. Age is a factor. Generally, the younger, the more difficult. But even this may not be true. I don't know. That is a tough one to deal with. No need to say anything really. Just be supportive in your own unique way.
2007-07-13 21:00:09 · answer #4 · answered by leesa 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a counsellor, so I can't offer any sort of advice like a counsellor would give. As a friend I would thank that someone for trusting me enough to confide in me, and assure him or her that this would remain between us. I would give that someone a hug and tell that someone it's okay, not to hate himself or herself, it's not sick or perverted or anything. I would suggest doing a google search for some online support groups, and websites with information about being transgendered, transsexuality. It's good for someone dealing with this issue to find support from others like himself or herself, and nt to feel like he or she is the only one with gender identity dysphoria.
In time, that someone may want to find a therapist or counsellor with experience or who specializes in gender identity issues. I'm sure that in the various support groups he or she finds, that someone may find recommendations for people in the area he or she could see who can help.
It's okay, don't hate yourself, don't panic. It's going to be okay.
2007-07-13 21:15:34 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are more than two genders--remind them of that. If they don't feel comfortable with male or female they may be genderqueer or something else entirely. But really there's no need to assign labels. I know someone who prefers that people not use pronouns talking about them... there are a lot of options out there.
2007-07-13 21:08:34 · answer #6 · answered by Aura 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Listen can be a big help. Just being there for them through this tough struggle is important. Talking them through this as they sort out their feelings can help as well. As someone that's been there and talked to many others that have been there, it just takes time.
2007-07-16 02:22:02 · answer #7 · answered by carora13 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
tell them that they need to look for the answer to their question in everything that they do. something will feel right eventually and they will know their place. one of my friends went through the same sort of thing and the advice i gave them was that they are a boy and nothing else about it is really worth stressing over . you will know soon enough.
2007-07-14 01:14:15 · answer #8 · answered by Mike H 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Inform them that there are many more than just two "genders" -chromosomally speaking.
Tell them that they should "be" who/what ever they feel they should be.
An read Camille Paglia!!!
2007-07-13 21:12:30 · answer #9 · answered by Cognitive Dissident ÜberGadfly 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To seek a church like MCC, or a therapist who is trained in dealing with the struggles of transexuals and transvestites. Their needs are special, they deserve the best possible comfort that can be found.
2007-07-13 20:56:27 · answer #10 · answered by Rob's Corner 1 · 2⤊ 2⤋