Characteristics of Genders?

[Anne42]

Hi,
I (afab) am questioning my gender because I think I experience dysphoria but I'm also a very feminine person.

I live in the suburbs in Ohio, and I am homeschooled, so my knowledge about the interactions of people outside my small circle is very limited. I am finding that it is incredibly difficult to understand my own gender when I don't really have a concept of either binary gender.

If it weren't a pandemic, I would resort to things like trying hobbies where I could meet other people, or at least observe other people. But now is obviously not an optimal time to be doing that.

Does anyone have any suggestions for how I might learn more about what a man is and what a woman is? (I assume I would only need to learn these things since being nonbinary is less restrictive.)

Thank you!

[Heather Shay]

First - Hello Anne42. You've found a wonderful resource right here. A lot of folks who can relate and share their experiences.  I suggest doing some exploring with Dr. Z Phd - clinical psychologist in Los Angeles who have a very excellent YouTube channel and she specializes in trans care - and helps you find differences between the full spectrum of gender and for different ages.

 

Don't know how young you are but another resource is Pyychology Today and you can locate therapists to help - many in Ohio - I have a wonderful therapist here in Mount Vernon, Ohio and she has been a Godsend for me. Many therapists offer zoom videoconferencing so that would be a safe way to receive care.

 

Being in Ohio - Equitas is a fantastic resource for LGBTQ+ care - I have signed with them out of Columbus and they are wonderful. 

 

Also Cleveland Clinic has LGBTQ+ services and I also work with them.

 

Good luck and know you are supported here and no pressure to do anything but share, question and find loving folks.

 

 

[Anne42]

@Shay thank you so much! I will definitely check out those resources.

[Ivy]

Welcome Anne.

[Anne42]

@Jandi thank you!!