Dysphoria…what is dysphoria? What is dysphoria and how is this related to the LGBT+ Community? Let’s find out today together!

Well if we go online and look up the definition we’ll most likely comeback a bit confused because “Dysphoria” in general terms and “Dysphoria” within the confines of the LGBT+ Community actually have slightly different meanings. Dysphoria in general is “A state of feeling uneasy, unhappy, or unwell” which is usually paired with symptoms of depression, mania, psychos, etcetera. This state of being (if left unchecked/untreated) can lead to suicidal thoughts, self harm, homicidal thoughts, paranoia, and so on.

“Okay, but everyone can go through hard times: that’s just a part of life man.”

  “Yeah! I agree!”

 “Sounds like just anyone can have dysphoria.”

But that’s the thing: Not everyone goes through this! Sure, there are plenty of ups and downs in life, but being in a constant state of depression is not normal and quite dangerous as stated above. Being on the verge of a manic episode is not just a fact of life: it’s a potential symptom of brain chemistry wired differently and being over/under active depending on what’s dysphoria is linked to on the other side. But how does this relate to the LGBT+ Community? Surely I’m not suggesting people who experience Gender dysphoria are mentally unwell…right?

Of course I’m not saying Gender Dysphoria is a disorder: it’s a state of being. Now I’ve got your attention! So, if Dysphoria is a state of feeling uneasy, unhappy, or unwell, what is Gender Dysphoria? 

“It’s the same thing, but with gender?”

  “It’s when someone is unhappy due the disconnect between what they feel like vs the physical body they’re in?”

   “I ain’t gon lie to you chief…I don’t know.”

Nice! Some of you got close, some on the money, but the working definition agreed upon so far is: “the condition of feeling one's emotional and psychological identity to be at variance with one's birth sex.” Essentially, being in a state of uneasy or unhappiness because your physical sex does not match the sex of your inner self. There’s a lot of debate as to what causes this, but regardless of the cause this is an event that continues to occur in society. Does this make them any more or less themselves? I’d say it doesn’t. I believe the core essence of a person will stand out no matter the gender they are or meant to be; the only difference is whether or not that step is taken to seriously make that change. You’re still a human being at the end of the day and should be treated as such with the same amount of respect and courtesy given before this change. Is this a phenomena I’ve experienced? No, I’ve never experienced Gender Dysphoria.

“Then why do you believe in it?”

Because I’ve been told depression isn’t real. ADHD isn’t real, schizophrenia is a “white” disorder. Even when the science showed otherwise these conditions were either brushed over or white washed, but when you meet someone who has these conditions, states of being, disorders, etc it might give you an aha moment you’d never thought you’d have. 

Just because it doesn’t happen to me doesn’t mean it’s not real. As someone who embraces self discovery I encourage you all who experience gender dysphoria to live in your truth and know that there’s nothing wrong with you: you are special in a way others may not be and that’s okay because you’re still you and you’re still important. You matter and how you feel matters. 

So my challenge to you the reader is to seek understanding from those who experience life different from you. Some of the best lessons come from the ones most different from us and, ironically, they can end up to be more similar to us than we realize.

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If you made it this far that means you enjoyed the post and I’m so happy you did! Dysphoria (specifically Gender Dysphoria) is something outside of my range of knowledge so I didn’t know if I should or could speak on the matter, but I realized supporting others doesn’t mean I’m an expert on what I support: it means I’m open to learn and grow with others different from me. As with any posts, if you like it share it with your friends, comment topics for me to speak on, and support the Patreon (or cashapp $pointofvisiontm) as we continue to grow our beautiful community! Quick side note (because I know it’ll get pointed out): The reason people who make the change when going through Gender Dysphoria are still considered transgender is because (in my opinion) Gender Dysphoria is a state of being or sense of self which falls under gender which is not synonymous with sex. There are only two sexes in the in the human race (once again, in my opinion and for the time being), but there are multiple genders (aka states of being) thus giving us the complexity of humanity we have present.

Well, as always, thank you for your time and your support and…

Until Next Time!