Signs You Might Be Transgender and What They Mean

Finding out your gender identity can be important for you. There is no list that tells you exactly who you are, but there are signs that might help you know more about your feelings and what is going on for you. This guide talks about common signs and what they may tell you. It looks at these signs in a good and encouraging way.

Discomfort with Your Assigned Gender

Many transgender people feel that the gender they were assigned at birth does not fit who they are, and some may feel am I trans when they are young, while others feel it later in life.

• You feel uneasy when others use certain pronouns for you.
• You stay away from tasks or roles that match the sex you were born with.
• You like to wear clothes that most people think are for another gender.
• You do not like body features that are tied to a gender that does not fit with how you feel inside.
• You feel relief when no one brings up or reminds you about your assigned gender.
• You feel upset or stressed because of what society expects from you based on your gender.

Desire to Be Seen as Another Gender

You might feel comfort, excitement, or peace when people see you as a gender that is not the one you were given at birth.

• You feel happy if people think you are a different gender.
• You use names that feel right to you or different ones on websites or in chats.
• You think about how it would be if you lived every day as another gender.
• You feel good when people use the pronouns that you picked.
• You feel happy when you are with people or groups who are of your gender.
• You feel more connected to the clothes or how people act from a different gender.

Persistent Curiosity About Gender Identity

Having a steady interest in gender identity topics can show that you are looking into your own.

• You read or watch a lot of things about transgender experiences.
• You compare your feelings to the things that trans people say.
• You ask yourself, “What if” you lived as a different gender.
• You feel pulled to read or talk about gender, even if you do not have your own story like that.
• You take gender identity quizzes online or join forums about this.
• You read about medical or social steps that people take in a transition just because you want to know more.

Emotional Changes Linked to Gender Expression

• You feel good when you dress in a way that fits who you are.
• You feel stressed or sad when you have to act or dress how others expect because of your gender.
• You feel less worried when you do not follow some rules about how people think you should act because of your gender.
• You feel happy when how you show yourself matches who you feel you are inside.

Relief and Happiness During Gender Affirmation

Feeling good can show a lot about who you really are.

• You feel good when friends call you by your name and use your pronouns.
• You smile more while doing things that fit your gender.
• You feel calm when you can show who you really are.
• You feel full of energy after you dress or act like your gender.
• You feel better about yourself when people say nice things about your gender.
• You feel clear and happy when you think about living as your true self.

Noticing these signs does not mean you have to call yourself anything right now; if you feel am I trans, you may talk about it with good friends, groups, or people who listen, like counselors. This can help you to know more about yourself; the most important thing is to find what feels right and happy.