Change!

The psychology of a person wanting to change gender is complex and multifaceted, and can vary widely depending on the individual's unique experiences and circumstances. However, there are some common psychological and social factors that may contribute to gender dysphoria (i.e., distress caused by a mismatch between one's gender identity and assigned sex at birth) and a desire to transition gender.

One important factor is a person's gender identity, which is the subjective sense of oneself as male, female, a combination of both, or neither. For some individuals, their gender identity may not align with the sex they were assigned at birth, leading to feelings of discomfort, anxiety, and alienation from their body and social role. This can be a source of significant distress and can impact a person's mental health and quality of life.

Another factor that may contribute to a desire to change gender is social and cultural norms around gender and gender roles. These norms can be restrictive and prescriptive, dictating how people should behave, dress, and express themselves based on their assigned sex. Individuals who do not conform to these norms may face stigma, discrimination, and harassment, which can further exacerbate gender dysphoria and other mental health issues.

It's important to note that transitioning gender is not a decision that individuals take lightly and it often involves significant physical, social, and emotional changes. Many individuals who seek gender transition have thought deeply about their gender identity and have experienced significant distress and discomfort before deciding to pursue medical interventions or social transitions.

Overall, the psychology of a person wanting to change gender is complex and multifaceted, and involves a wide range of individual, social, and cultural factors. It's important to approach this topic with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to supporting individuals in making the choices that are right for them based on their unique needs and circumstances.

It's difficult to provide an exact number or percentage of people who transition gender and then later decide to de-transition, as this is a complex and highly individualized experience that is influenced by many factors, including social support, access to healthcare, and personal beliefs and preferences.

However, some studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that de-transitioning is relatively rare. For example, a study published in the journal Transgender Health in 2018 found that only 8.9% of transmasculine individuals (i.e., those who were assigned female at birth but identify as male) and 2.5% of transfeminine individuals (i.e., those who were assigned male at birth but identify as female) reported having ever de-transitioned.

It's also important to note that de-transitioning can take many different forms and may not always involve a complete reversal of gender identity or expression. Some people may decide to pause or slow down their transition, while others may continue to identify as transgender but modify their gender expression or medical interventions.

Overall, it's important to respect the diversity and complexity of individual experiences with gender and transition, and to support individuals in making the choices that are right for them based on their unique needs and circumstances.