Some people feel they were born in the wrong body. They may feel like
they should be a boy instead of a girl or a girl instead of a boy. Other
people are born with female and male sexual characteristics. They may consider
themselves either a boy or a girl or intersex (just the way they are).
If any of these scenarios sounds like you, you may be feeling confused and unsure.
It is very important to reach out for support as you figure out your gender
orientation (e.g., male, female, intersex). You may also be figuring out
your sexual orientation (e.g., gay, straight). You probably have lots of questions like:
Does this happen to other people?
Am I going to be okay?
Does this mean I am gay?
How do I tell my parents and friends?
Be assured that many other people before you have gone through this,
survived, and even thrived! A good place to start is to get information.
The library and the web are great places to read about others who have been
confused about their gender. You can also get facts and get in touch with
local support groups or hotlines. Below are some suggestions of resources.
Also you might confide in your doctor. Your doctor has a pledge to keep
your medical history private so you can feel safe talking to them. And
your doctor will have suggestions of places that provide information and support.
Resources:
Trans Proud, The National Coalition for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Youth, 369 Third Street, Suite B-362,
San Rafael, CA 94901-3581. On the web at http://www.transproud.com/. Click on Queer America
(or go to http://www.queeramerica.com/) to get a listing of support groups and organizations
for questioning, gay, lesbian or transgender youth near your hometown.
Intersex Society of North America, 979 Golf Course Drive #282, Rohnert Park, CA 94928. On
the web at: http://www.isna.org.
