Being transfeminine is not a mental health condition. But the discrimination that transgender people face can increase their risk of developing a mental health condition. Learn more about the challenges transfeminine people experience when managing their mental health, and explore ways to promote well-being.
In this article
What does the term “transfeminine” mean?
Challenges to transfeminine mental health
Key points
Being transfeminine is not a mental health condition, but discrimination can make it harder for transfeminine people to stay mentally healthy.
Transfeminine people often face unique challenges like gender dysphoria, higher risk of violence and homelessness, and the impact of harmful stereotypes.
There are ways to take care of your mental health. Find safe and supportive communities, talk to an LGBTQ+-friendly therapist, find safe ways to ease gender dysphoria, and learn about your legal rights and protections.
What does the term “transfeminine” mean?
Transfeminine people are those assigned male at birth who identify with femininity. This includes transgender women as well as some nonbinary and gender-fluid identities.
In the U.S., 1.6 million people ages 13 and older identify as transgender. More than one-third of these people are transgender women.
Challenges to transfeminine mental health
Transfeminine people face challenges that all transgender people encounter, such as:
- Harassment and discrimination
- Unemployment and poverty
- Misgendering and dead-naming
- Bullying
- Lack of legal protection
- Lack of health care coverage, especially gender-affirming services
But transfeminine people may be especially affected by:
- Gender dysphoria: Gender dysphoria is the discomfort a transgender person may feel when their gender does not match the sex they were given at birth. For transfeminine people, things like facial hair, broad shoulders, or a muscular body can trigger these feelings. Many may also experience discomfort with their chest, genitals, or voice.
- Violence and housing insecurity: Transfeminine people are more likely to face violence than transmasculine people, particularly transgender women of color. Experiencing homelessness further increases the risk of violence. Transgender women of color are more likely to be homeless than white, transmasculine people. Both violence and housing instability can increase the likelihood of developing a mental health condition.
- Cultural ideas about gender: Cultural ideas about gender can affect transfeminine individuals in many ways. Transfeminine people challenge the idea that being a man is superior or more desirable. Harmful stereotypes– like the belief that “trans women are actually men”– can lead to bullying, exclusion, and mental health challenges.
Taking care of your mental health
Transfeminine people can take steps to protect and take care of their mental health:
- Finding community: Building connection and belonging is a powerful tool for transgender mental health. If you are a student, check for LGBTQ+ pride groups at school. You can also join support groups, social media forums, advocacy organizations, or attend LGBTQ+ events in your area.
- Practicing personal safety measures: Transfeminine people face high rates of violence, so staying safe is important.. When visiting a new place, consider bringing a friend and staying mindful of your surroundings. Researching LGBTQ+ friendly locations in your city can help you feel safer and more at ease.
- Working with an LGBTQ-affirming therapist: Talking to a provider who supports your gender identity can help you understand your journey and support you during your transition. To find one near you, check your local LGBTQ+ community center or visit Findtreatment.gov.
- Reducing gender dysphoria: Alleviating gender dysphoria can help improve transfeminine mental health. Wearing gender-affirming clothing, breast padding, or tucking are some non-medical options. There are also medical options. to match your physical appearance with your gender identity, like surgery or hormone therapy.
- Knowing your rights: You deserve access to the care and services you need. In some states, health insurance must cover transgender care recommended by your provider, including surgeries and hormone therapy. Learning more about inclusive employee benefits and how to advocate for them is also important.
- Consuming media with transfeminine representation: Books, TV shows, podcasts, and social media accounts with positive transfeminine representation can increase your self-esteem and help you feel validated in your identity.
Take a mental health test
If you or a friend are struggling with your mental health, take an anonymous, free, and private mental health test. It only takes a few minutes, and after you are finished, you will be given information about the next steps you can take based on the results.
