Every gender-affirming surgery journey is special. While each person’s unique experiences and process may look different, all journeys should be celebrated. Taking the steps to match your outer appearance with your gender identity marks a life-changing transformation. As you move through this process, take time to document your journey. Whether it’s through words, photos or videos, keeping track of your journey can be both therapeutic and commemorative.
Gender Affirmation Procedures: A Physical and Emotional Change
Gender affirming procedures don’t just mark a physical change. Having a body that aligns with your gender identity also has an emotional impact. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions after surgery. Taking the time to process your feelings can support mental well-being. Talking to a mental health counselor can help you process your emotions, combat gender dysphoria and provide affirmation.
Journaling or keeping a diary of your emotions, daily struggles and triumphs can be a healthy outlet for stress related to surgery and your transition journey. Looking back on your progress can be rewarding and a reminder to keep moving forward in your journey. Exercise, eating well and getting plenty of rest can provide stress-relieving benefits. Connecting with others in the trans community and hearing their stories can affirm your feelings and help you process your emotions.
Finding a Creative Outlet During Your Gender Affirmation Process
When it comes to reflecting on your journey, there’s no wrong way to honor it! Do what works for you and makes you feel empowered. Journaling or a diary can help keep a daily log of emotions, worries or fears. Writing poetry or short stories around your journey can channel your emotions into a creative outlet. More visually, photographing your appearance on a daily or weekly basis can document your physical changes and show your progress towards becoming your authentic self. Making videos or vlogging documents emotional and physical changes. You can update your progress and provide commentary around your journey. These visual and written elements can be fun to look back on and commemorate a transformative period in your life.
Commemorating Your Unique Journey
Choosing to share your journey is a personal decision. Whether you choose to publicly or privately share your journey, set boundaries to protect your peace. When sharing your journey privately with family and friends, determine how you would like to share this information. Whether via phone, text, or in person, determine the information you wish to share. Be prepared to answer questions and allow time for your loved ones to process.
If you choose to document and share your journey publicly on social media, update your privacy settings to match your comfort level. You can make posts shareable or limited to select audiences or friends. Other restrictions may involve blocking users, disabling comments or removing locations on your profile or posts. Report any harassment or hateful comments. You can also look into online community groups specific to sharing the gender affirming process.
According to MediaCulture, the LGBTQIA+ community are 6% more likely to use social media compared to the general population. With higher populations of trans people online, safe spaces to share your journey exist. Finding and fostering these communities can be an empowering experience. They are a great support system throughout your journey.
Finding a Gender-Affirming Care Provider
At ART Surgical, we support transgender patients at every point of their journey. From the initial consultation through surgery and post-operative care, our team is with you every step of the way. Our personalized, patient-centric approach is as unique as your process. Contact us to schedule your consultation. Continue your gender-affirming journey today.