For many trans-identified cis people and their allies, a frequent response to having their identity challenged is; Why? Why would someone choose to put themselves in a group that has fewer legal rights than most people? Why would someone choose a path that can lead to discrimination, harassment, and/or abuse? Why would they choose to undergo painful, expensive medical procedures for no good reason? An over-simplified answer would be a lack of self-awareness and a lack of medical knowledge, but a simple answer can’t explore the depths of each of these. In nearly twenty years of being in trans spaces and encountering an increasing number of detransitioning/detransitioned people, I’ve noticed patterns of thought and behaviour that seem to lead cis people towards a trans identity and a regrettable transition. I’ll be breaking these patterns down in to several posts as they are deeply complex, multilayered issues (and for each individual it is almost always issues, plural, rather than one single reason).
If you identify as trans but feel no strong need to present as your identified gender, medically transition, or haven’t felt a disconnection between your brain and sex characteristics since childhood, some of these reasons will inevitably apply to you, whether you choose to consciously acknowledge them or not. I would ask that, for the sake of trans people, our rights, our safety, and our healthcare (not to mention your own wellbeing and future), you consider each possibility and take some time to work out what your reasons are. It will be hard, it will be uncomfortable, but it will save lives.
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