“I’ve always felt that I was a girl, I know I’m transgender because my brain knows it’s female, and my body disagrees” are some of the sentiments one will hear from transgender people around our country. 

Transgender people feel the gender to which they were born, or assigned at birth, does not fit them. They could be born as female and identify as male or vice versa. They include those who identify as “genderqueer,” gender neutral, and/or gender-free. You may identify with one or more of these definitions and no one has to rush to self-label. 

You may feel extremely uncomfortable with the gender-specific parts of your body or feel a deep need to have other body parts. You may feel more comfortable relating to people who perceive you as the gender you see yourself and may feel you would be truly yourself in another gender.

This may make you wonder if you are ‘normal’. Being transgender is as normal as being alive. Throughout history, many were transgender and transgender people are everywhere. They are students, parents, and enjoy careers. While being transgender is not “typical,” and discrimination may be encountered, you are certainly normal.

You may then wonder if you must tell anyone about your identity. Although there is no obligation to do so, you may find it important to share who you are with others. Do tell those you feel comfortable to do with and those who you believe will understand. This could be anyone from a partner, friend, teacher or a family member. You can also seek support from a therapist, support groups and friends if you chose to live in your identified gender. 

While coming out may make some feel relieved and happy, others may face many challenges from family and friends, or even violence in their homes or school. To make coming out easier have people you can talk to before you come out and surround yourself with as much information, knowledge, and support as possible.

“Sympathy is not what we want” Bhoomi Harendaran quoted. We must accept the transgender community and support their rights. They must not be treated as outcasts and left to fend for themselves. Issues that they face must be considered important and protection bills/ a gender recognition bill must be passed, as they are fighting for survival and basic rights every day. 

Strengthening the existing gender clinics and their services and setting up trans-competent, trans-led, trans-specific healthcare clinics that provide tailor-made services for trans people and look into HIV vulnerability and risk assessment of transgender men is vital. National guidelines on comprehensive care for transgender people must be established. Improving facility set-up to make trans people more comfortable in accessing facilities and ensuring that more trans people enter the medical sector as professionals are approaches that can be taken to better the lives of the transgender community.  

Transgender people can have a hard time finding safe sex information that speaks in language that reflects how they feel about their body. There are a range of services available in the state sector, government hospitals, mobile clinics and services provided by the National Transgender Network (TGWomen) and the Venasa Network (TGMen). 

FPA’s Transgender clinics will also be able to assist with the necessary information. FPA conducts sensitization programme for both community and non-community members, builds capacity of transgender youth to address the issues of stigma and discrimination and empowers and trains community members to use social media platforms more effectively to share their stories and address myths and incorrect information on transgender issues and concerns. If you want to speak to a professional, you can contact the Alokaya Counselling Centre on 0738992334 or the Happy Life Centre on 0765884881. Remember that you’re not alone, and there is help available. 

In conclusion, if you have just discovered or recognized that you are transgender, remember that you are normal and you are likeable, just as you are. You are getting to know another part of yourself, and this is truly a wonderful opportunity!