Do you ever find yourself asking, “am I trans enough?”
If so, you’re not alone! This is a common sentiment felt by many trans and nonbinary people. In this event facilitated by Dr. Ley David Elliette Cray, join us as we explore themes of self-acceptance, identity, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
PS: You are trans enough—whatever that means to you. Don’t let anyone, including yourself, convince you otherwise. Celebrate and affirm your identity every day!
The Question: “Am I Trans Enough?”
Alo Johnston, in “Am I Trans Enough? How to Overcome Your Doubts and Find Your Authentic Self,” discusses the recurrent questioning of one’s trans identity.
Reflection Questions:
- When are we asking it?
- Identify patterns in timing and context when you question your identity.
- What are we asking?
- Complete the question to make it meaningful (e.g., “…trans enough to pursue care?”).
- Why are we asking it?
- Understand what asking the question does for you and what it means to you.
Imposter Syndrome
Dara Hoffman-Fox, in “How to Understand Your Gender,” explains that simply questioning if you’re an imposter suggests you’re not one. Imposter Syndrome involves feeling like a fraud and can lead to self-doubt and self-denial.
Reflection Questions:
- What activities or affirmations help you feel confident in yourself and your identity?
Labels and Lenses
Alex Iantaffi, in “How to Understand Your Gender,” emphasizes that gender identity can evolve over time and that labels (like non-binary) are tools to help understand oneself. Lenses can change, and this isn’t a failure.
Reflection Question:
- At this point in your life, what lenses feel right for you?
Being and Doing
Alok Vaid-Menon, in “Beyond the Gender Binary,” speaks to the concept of gender as something others perceive, rather than something inherently yours. The “Gender Jazz” metaphor encourages seeing gender as a flexible, expressive art form rather than a rigid script.
Reflection Question:
- How do you relate to gender “scripts”? What comes up when you think of playing “gender jazz”?
Moving Forward
Meg-John Barker, in “Life Isn’t Binary,” highlights that gender is a work in progress and emphasizes that imposter phenomena are natural. The presence of these feelings does not negate your identity or experience.
Reflection Question:
- What is one thing you can do today to affirm and celebrate yourself and your identity?
Recommended Readings
- How to Understand Your Gender by Alex Iantaffi & Meg-John Barker
- Am I Trans Enough? by Alo Johnston
- Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon
- Life Isn’t Binary by Meg-John Barker & Alex Iantaffi
- AmITrans.Org
