Imposter in my own body

Past User · July 2023

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ebyrne556 · July 2023

Just moving to gender and sexuality Morgyn just so u get the right support u deserve

Firstly well done for opening up its really not easy and im proud of you for sharing with us all. Im glad calm have been suppportive and their are 100 percent right its not stupid at all and is totally ok to do what makes you feel better and comfortable. Im hearing that you have been thinking about having surgery for a little while now have you spoken to anyone you trust about it and how u have been feeling other than calm altho im glad they were at least a bit supportive Your feelings are 100 percent valid and you dont have to feel ashamed.Sending hugs

Unknown · July 2023

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Amy22 · July 2023

I also want to echo what @ebyrne556 said too as im glad that you have reached out about this. Feeling like an imposter in your own body can be so uncomfortable at times especially when you feel like you are not in the body that you want. I'm probably not the best at advice but it does sound similar to gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria can affect anyone and it can make you feel like your in the wrong body sometimes. I think there is an article on The Mix somewhere about gender dysphoria and what to do if you feel uncomfortable in your own body. I'd say that it's always good to explore different things too as gender is really self expression and you should be able to self express without feeling awkward about it

. Im always here if you would like to talk more. Sorry if this wasn't very helpful ish but I know the feeling too ish sometimes.

Unknown · July 2023

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JustV · July 2023

@Past User we have an article on being a young transgender person. We may also have other articles but I couldn't them on an initial search (might be worth double checking).

Echoing the others, this isn't messed up at all and is a super common practice for AFAB (assigned female at birth) people with gender dysphoria. It has a name too - binding.

It's worth noting that binding should be done in a particular way to make sure it doesn't cause injury or pain.

You can buy specially made binders from places like Spectrum Outfitters, and the general rule is they should fit well enough that they don't hurt or restrict breathing. I believe you should also take breaks from wearing them after a long period (I think 8 hours is the maximum they suggest).

Just found this NHS article that has more info:

To minimise harm, we make recommendations based on a recent meta-analysis of the evidence and more recent research in the field. When families ask us about their use, we offer strategies to reduce potential harm:
use a purpose designed, properly sized binder

ensure it fits correctly – it should not be too tight, and definitely shouldn’t impact breathing or cause pain

reduce time wearing it as much as possible

do not sleep in a binder

have whole days off wearing a binder where possible.

You might already know this but thought I'd share anyways

Unknown · July 2023

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Amy22 · July 2023

Past User wrote: »

Hi @Amy22 that is helpful thank you, do you know where I could find the article? Its okay if not I can have a look for it or message the mix and ask or something

I think it's on the mix under identity I could always find some extra articles as well too.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/#:~:text=Gender dysphoria is a term,harmful impact on daily life.

I just found something on gender dysphoria on the NHS website and I think there's another website too which focuses on it as well

https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/

I know this website is for trans people but I thought there might be some useful stuff on there as it's a charity dedicated to all things gender related. Hope this helps

Amy22 · July 2023

Past User wrote: »

@JustV I cant do it that why I don't want to get in trouble or anything

Im sure you won't get into trouble as if that is what helps you then it shoulden't get you into trouble. I know how you feel though especially around others too. Honestly, there shoulden't be a stigma around gender in any way even with binders too.

Unknown · July 2023

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Amy22 · July 2023

@Past User that sounds great that you are able to have an appointment talking to someone about how you feel. I know sometimes talking can help too. Hmm would it help if maybe you wrote down the things you wanted to say so then when the time comes you got a list of questions or things you want to say. I would say just be yourself as it can be nerve wracking talking to someone new too and opening up as well to them.

Unknown · July 2023

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Unknown · July 2023

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Millie2787 · July 2023

Binding is where those who aren’t comfortable in there body (Normally females) Wear a compression garment over there chest - this often flattens the chest a little bit , Which in turn makes Breasts not so prominent. This can help with feelings of body dysphoria for some people

It’s important though if that’s something you may consider then you make sure you do is safely , otherwise you can hurt yourself

Unknown · July 2023

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Azziman · July 2023

@Past User from what I understand, by changing the appearance of the chest, it's intended to reduce feelings of gender dysphoria. That being said, it's most important to consider how you feel about it, as not everyone may feel that it is helpful.

Unknown · July 2023

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Amy22 · July 2023

I looked at the website that @JustV mentioned spectrum outfitters I think it's called do binders that are made to feel comfy and are safe for the user to wear. They make the chest area less prominent and more neutral.

Imposter in my own body

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