Gender Identity

Gender identity is about how you feel inside about your gender. It’s different from the sex you were assigned at birth and might not match what people expect from you based on that. Your gender identity is personal and can be different from what others might think or assume.

What is Gender Identity?

Your gender identity is how you understand and experience your own gender. For some people, their gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. For others, it might be different. You might feel like you’re a girl, a boy, both, neither, or something else entirely.

Types of Gender Identities

1. Cisgender: This is when your gender identity matches the sex you were assigned at birth.

2. Transgender: This is when your gender identity is different from the sex you were assigned at birth. For example, someone who was assigned female at birth but feels like a boy is a transgender boy.

3. Non-Binary: This is when you don’t feel exclusively like a boy or a girl. You might feel like both, neither, or something else that doesn’t fit into these categories.

4. Genderqueer/Genderfluid: These are terms people might use if their gender identity changes or if they don’t fit into traditional gender categories.

Why It Matters

Understanding your gender identity is important because it helps you know more about who you are and how you want to express yourself. It’s okay to take your time figuring it out and to change how you feel about it as you grow.

Signs of Gender Dysphoria

Gender dysphoria is when there’s a mismatch between your gender identity and the sex you were assigned at birth. Some signs might include:

• Feeling uncomfortable or distressed about your body or the way others see your gender
• A strong desire to be treated as a different gender
• Preferring to be called by different names or pronouns than those assigned at birth

Getting Support

If you’re struggling with your gender identity or feeling confused, it’s important to talk to someone who can help. Support from friends, family, or a professional can make a big difference. You can find resources and support on our Find Services page or get immediate help through our Urgent Help page.