Affirm and Feel
Gender affirmation is about doing things that make you feel good about your gender and give you confidence. It can include activities, clothes, thoughts, behaviors, and anything that affirms your gender and gives you confidence! While you are likely to engage in gender affirming activities every day, this coping skill specifically looks to identify activities you can do directly in response to the gender dysphoria. (“Gender affirmation” consiste en hacer cosas que te hagan sentir bien con tu género y que te den confianza. Puede incluir actividades, ropa, pensamientos, comportamientos y cualquier cosa que afirme tu género y te dé seguridad. ¡Todo lo que te haga sentir bien contigo! Aunque es probable que realices actividades de afirmación de género todos los dÃas, esta habilidad de afrontamiento busca especÃficamente identificar actividades que puedas hacer directamente en respuesta a la disforia de género.)
Gender affirmation actions are ones that will combat anything the gender dysphoria tells you and give you an instant confidence boost. (Las acciones de afirmación de genero son las que combatirán lo que te dice la disforia de género y te elevarán la confianza.)
Having specific actions ready to use can help you quickly feel better when the gender dysphoria starts to bother you.
When we engage in gender affirmation it is also important to name the gender euphoria we feel! Gender euphoria is the warm, happy, peaceful feeling you get when your gender is seen, supported, and just feels right. (La euforia de género es ese sentimiento feliz y de paz que sientes cuando tu género es afirmado, apoyado, y se siente bien.)
To reflect on gender euphoria while engaging in gender affirmation follow these four steps: (Para reflexionar sobre la euforia de género mientras practicas la afirmación de género, sigue estos cuatro pasos:)
Step 1: Pause and Notice
While you’re doing a gender-affirming action, take a moment to pause and check in about how you feel.
Step 2: Name the Feeling
Try to put words to the feeling. You can even say it out loud or write it down.
Step 3: Reflect on Why
Think about what part of the gender affirming action helped you feel that way.
Step 4: Take a Mental Snapshot
Try to mentally save the moment so you can reflect on it later.
Paso 1: Hacer una pausa y notar
Mientras estás haciendo una acción que afirma tu género, tómate un momento para hacer una pausa y revisar cómo te sientes.
Paso 2: Ponerle nombre a la emoción
Trata de poner en palabras lo que estás sintiendo. Incluso puedes decirlo en voz alta o escribirlo.
Paso 3: Reflexionar sobre el porqué
Piensa en qué parte de la acción que afirma tu género te ayudó a sentirte asÃ.
Paso 4: Tomar una foto mental
Trata de guardar el momento en tu mente para poder reflexionarlo más adelante.
Gender Euphoria
| Gender Dysphoria Thought | Gender Affirming Action | Gender Euphoria |
|---|---|---|
| The gender dysphoria tells me I look too manly in my new dress | I change into my favorite outfit that makes me feel affirmed | I feel more in control and seen for my real self |
| I think I may be misgendered today | I put on a pronoun pin | I feel more connected to my identity, even in small ways |
| I have to wear a gender non-affirming outfit | I paint my nails | I feel more confident and grounded in my identity |
| I’m feeling down because I don’t have access to hormone therapy | I put on the binder that always makes me feel affirmed | I feel more comfortable with how my chest looks |
| I’m anxious about how my facial hair is growing | I use a bit of eyeliner to darken the hair I do have | I feel creative and more in sync with how I want to look |