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Gianna Israel Gender Library

Transition Frustration

It is an eventuality that everyone encounters frustration - and for transgender individuals there is certainly no escaping it. My guess is if you have a transgender identity and were to make a list of frustrations you've encountered, gender-related issues are somewhere on that list.

If you are interested in reading about difficult experiences that other transgender persons encounter, the following are examples: -- Not being approved for hormones. If this continues beyond three to six months get other professional opinions; -- Not being able to figure out clothing and make up. Ask your friends or support group members for help. Also, seek consultation at department stores. The Internet is also a great source of tips.

Other transition difficulties involve family members. Often a spouse or parents will have been told to too much, too soon. This often occurs at the very beginning of transition before the transgender person receives enough information to adequately manage the disclosure. In some circumstances the questions are relentless. What is to be done?

One winning strategy is to figure out responses or answers that will buy you time. This will allow you to consult with a gender specializing counselor, as well as understanding friends, and gain a consensus of what seems to be the best approach in your situation.

Frustration during transition and beyond is just as likely to occur from internal dilemmas as external situations. When this occurs, it is helpful to have a review of coping tools you can use to master the experience.

Just when it feels as if the world is caving in on you, that you are helpless to deal with matters, that is the time to develop a strategy to regain self control. Some people choose to take a 'time out' from a difficulties, others call a friend and ask for help. What may be most helpful, is to remind yourself that most circumstances are manageable. In fact, it's highly likely that you've already developed that skills to creatively deal with the situation, and it may be wise to review things that have worked for you before.

If you haven't dealt with a situation before there is a good chance an experienced, knowledgeable friend has. Whether you or they have, it's critical to recognize when a situation feels overwhelming and may impair your judgment. In other words, learn to recognize when you are least likely to make good, informed decisions. For most people this includes time when one is extremely tired, anxious, depressed or isolated.

Being transgender there is also the likelihood that others, generally malcontent people, will intentionally make issue of your being transgender. Often these are bullies who must pick on other's perceived differences to make themselves feel bigger or better. And, there are also individuals who will be more subtle by excluding you from activities and opportunities extended to others.

This type of harassment and discrimination can be very frustrating. Do not fall into the trap of believing something is wrong with you. If you are harassed, decide whether it is worth your effort to confront the person. Essentially, if you feel the chances of this occurring with the same person are high, tell the individual his or her behavior is small and does nothing to reflect better qualities. If you feel you are being discriminated against, such as in the workplace, consider pointing out your skills - and reasons why you should be included or promoted. If you consistently find yourself excluded or denied advancement opportunities, begin developing documentation regarding this and discuss it with a therapist or attorney.

If one thing is certain, as a transman or woman you will develop a wealth of experience dealing with frustration over time. Matters generally do get better for most people with time. If you find this not to be the case, consider seeking short term counseling to learn how to deal with anger management and frustration. Or, talk with several friends or colleagues and ask what strategies they use to improve their situations.

Any effort you make to improve yourself can either be used to deal with matters or find a better situation.


GENDER ARTICLES. This educational column authored by Gianna E. Israel is regularly featured on the 3rd Monday of each month in Tg-Forum, the Internet's most up-to-date, weekly Transgender Magazine <http://www.tgforum.com/>. Several weeks later each article is forwarded to Usenet and AOL <Keyword TCF>. Each column has been written to inspire contemplation and dialogue. Columns may be reprinted in any medium insofar as each article, its introduction, and the author's contact information remains unaltered.

GIANNA E. ISRAEL provides nationwide telephone consultation, individual & relationship counseling, evaluations and referrals. She is principal author of the Transgender Care (Temple University / in press 1997). She also writes Transgender Tapestry's "Ask Gianna" column; is an AEGIS board member and HBIGDA member.She can be contacted at (415) 558-8058, at P.O. Box 424447 San Francisco, CA 94142, or via e-mail at Gianna@counselsuite.com.


Copyright © 2001 by Diane Wilson. All rights reserved.