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Gender Dysphoria

Tish

I'm 51 and was diagnosed with ASD at 49.

While discussing sexuality the other day, my daughters and I were trying to convince my (male) partner that transgenderism is a real thing and not a fad. During the conversation I said that when I thought about it I didn't feel specifically female, despite being assigned so at birth. The more I think about it the more I think that I am gender dysphoric. I have never felt particularly feminine, although I'm certainly not masculine either. If anything I think I've always thought that I'm a bit above all that! Does anybody empathise? I see that there might be a link between autism and gender dysphoria on this web site.

If I'm gender dysmorphic how could I not have noticed? I was shocked at my ASD diagnosis too, so is being wholly un-self aware an autistic thing as well?!

Parents

  • Research has indicated that there is a correlation between being LGBT and autism. Alexithymia- not clearly understanding one's own mental state is also sometimes a feature of autism, so there is a link in the way that you posit.

    I'm not an expert on the subject, but what you describe doesn't sound like gender dysphoria as typically understood, which is an intense aversion to one's own body, to the changes that occur during puberty, etc. As other posters have suggested, if the feeling isn't causing you any particular concern, there's no obligation to do anything. There are many interesting posters on this topic on YouTube- I've been watching Katy Montgomery recently, who does a lot of good videos.

    I do know what you mean about it not being important to you; for most people, gender is a very important part of their identity- think about what a big deal it would be for many man to wear a pink shirt, for example. This has always seemed irrational to me.

  • in reply to DiffidAnt

    but yet wearing a pink shirt these days is seen as a sign of confidence and thus manliness lol get with the times aha

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