Gender affirmation is the process whereby transgender or gender diverse individuals engage in activities that help them live and express themselves authentically according to their true gender identity. This can involve a variety of actions, tailored to what each person finds affirming, what they feel safe doing, and what they can access.

There are three main types of gender affirmation: social, legal, and medical. Each person’s journey is unique, and there’s no prescribed way to affirm your gender.

Social affirmation 

Social affirmation involves various practices that help express your genuine self to the world. This can include using your chosen name and pronouns, adopting new attire, modifying your body’s appearance (such as using a chest binder), changing your hairstyle, and more. These actions enable you to feel comfortable in your skin and showcase your true identity without undergoing legal or medical changes. Social affirmation extends to engaging in everyday activities like playing sports, working, and participating in social events as your authentic self. Learn more about different forms of social affirmation here.

For many in the transgender and gender diverse community, social affirmation is the initial step in their gender affirmation journey. While this can be liberating, it can also be a scary thing to do. If you’re at the beginning of your gender affirmation journey, it’s a good idea to seek assistance from trusted loved ones and support organisations.

Legal affirmation

Legal affirmation involves updating your identity within legal and governmental systems. This may include legally changing your name and gender markers on documents at school, work, and on IDs, as well as understanding your rights under the law. It can also pertain to living as a trans or gender diverse person under certain visas.

The process of legal affirmation can be complex, time-consuming, and costly. Not everyone feels ready to make these legal changes, and some may not find it necessary at all. It’s important to remember that these choices are completely valid. Legal affirmation is about officially recognizing your identity in various systems—it doesn’t define or change who you truly are. You are valid in your gender identity, regardless of legal documentation.

Medical affirmation

Medical affirmation involves trans or gender diverse individuals accessing medical treatments to align their bodies with their gender identity. This might include accessing hormone therapy, undergoing surgery, or voice training. This process is often referred to as medical transitioning. For many young people, starting with puberty blockers is the initial step.

We highly recommend watching this doco about actress, writer, and transgender rights advocate Georgie Stone’s story, who was the youngest person to receive hormone blockers in Australia and changed the law:

Key terms around medical affirmation

To guide your understanding of medical affirmation, here are some common terms and acronyms that you may see used:

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Adjusts hormone levels to better reflect your gender identity.

Top/Bottom Surgery: involves surgery on areas like the chest or genitals to affirm your gender. Not everyone wants, chooses or has the funds to access surgery, and that’s perfectly okay. Choosing to have gender affirming surgery can be a really big decision, so it’s important to talk with your psychiatrist or someone who specialises in gender therapy first. In Australia, you must be over 16 for top surgery and 18 for bottom surgery.

Speech Pathology: Helps modify your voice pitch and speech patterns to alleviate gender dysphoria. This service is available without age restrictions and can significantly boost confidence in how you express yourself vocally. If you’re in Naarm (Melbourne), La Trobe University has a speech pathology clinic that specialises in voice training for trans folk. 

While medical affirmation can make a significant difference in aligning your physical self with your gender identity, it’s not essential to validate your gender. Every decision regarding medical transitioning is personal and valid, regardless of whether you pursue hormones, surgery, or any other form of treatment.

It’s crucial to recognise that not all trans or gender diverse people seek medical treatments, and their identity is no less valid. Access to medical affirmation can be challenging, especially for those under 18 without parental support, or those living in regional areas.

Gender affirming healthcare is vital, emphasising respectful, safe, and individualised treatment for all trans, gender diverse, and non-binary people. For assistance in finding LGBTQIA+-friendly health clinics, check out this helpful directory.

Where can I get support?

If you’re experiencing any struggles related to accessing gender affirming care, reaching out for support can be really helpful. Consider sharing your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or a school counsellor who can offer you the understanding you need. You can also check out our full list of support services to access free and confidential mental health support.

Additional support for LGBTQIA+ folk is available through:

• QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships
  

• Switchboard provides information, support, and referral services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people of Victoria and Tasmania. 

• Minus18 provides resources and insightful information on gender and sexuality to help you navigate your experience.