Community Connection
Community connection can help you manage gender dysphoria by talking to and being around other trans and nonbinary people.
Here are some ways that other trans and nonbinary people have explained using this strategy when they feel gender dysphoria:
- Talk to other trans and nonbinary folks about your current gender dysphoria distress.
- Message other trans and nonbinary folks on online platforms, support groups, or social media.
- Hang out with other trans and nonbinary people.
- Go to queer and/or trans hang out spaces (coffee shops, book stores, parks)
- Identify trans and nonbinary individuals or supportive allies that can go with you to do a difficult task.
- Support and encourage other trans and nonbinary folks. When you help others, you also strengthen your own sense of belonging and connection to the community.
If you live in a rural area or just come out, finding friends and building community can feel hard, but it’s absolutely possible! Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Look for local or online trans and nonbinary support groups, meetups, or volunteer opportunities. Often these are hosted through local LGBTQ resource centers. For a list of resource centers in the United States visit: https://www.lgbtqcenters.org/LGBTCenters.
- Check platforms like Meetup, Eventbrite, or Facebook for local trans and nonbinary events or virtual gatherings.
- Join trans-specific groups on platforms like Facebook and Discord or forums such as Reddit (r/transgender is our favorite) and Transgender Pulse. These can be spaces for asking questions, sharing experiences, and connecting with others.