Teen Identity Uncertainty
Being a teenager means you're going to experience more changes in a short time than you likely will at any other point in your life. Some of these changes are discussed more frequently and are considered more "socially acceptable" to talk about than others. Gender identity falls into the latter category.
Even though adolescence is widely recognized as a time of self-discovery and personal growth, people can still be resistant or closed-minded when it comes to gender identity, exploration, and self-expression. That’s why we've compiled a list of resources and stories from others who have gone through the experience of discovering who they are meant to be.
Resources
The Trevor Project: Understanding Gender Identity and Pronouns
The Trevor Project has done an amazing job breaking down the different parts of identity, what gender is, what pronouns are and why they matter, the difference between gender and sex, and so much more. This is a great resource for anyone who might be questioning their gender identity or wants to be a good, informed.
Gender Spectrum, has an entire overview of gender on the individual level as well as downloadable content surrounding gender on the general, family, education, faith, medical, adolescent, and allyship sphere.
Written by transgender youth, this pamphlet provides answers for young people who find that the gender to which they were born, or assigned at birth, does not fit them.
Questions and answers to the most commonly asked question about gender, sexual orientation, what it means to be transender, and how to be an ally.
A gender 101 for any and everyone!
Others Gender Identity Stories
There’s quite a few celebrities who have been brave enough to share their stories about not identifying within “the norm”. We've listed a few for you to help show you’re not alone!
Emma Corrin: The beloved actor from The Crown, came out as non-binary and queer in 2022. Since then they’ve advocated for more inclusive industry awards and have helped spread knowledge about what it means to be queer and non-binary. Read more about their story here.
Jonathan Van Ness: The hair icon from Queer Eye came out as non-binary in a 2019 interview with Out. He talked about his experience growing up, deciding what pronouns feel right, and how they realized their identity. Read the interview here.
Janelle Monáe: The music star (who’s also pansexual) came out as nonbinary in 2020 through a meme on Twitter. They talked more about their decision in an interview with The Cut. Find it here to learn more.
Shamir: In a 2020 interview with Billboard, the nonbinary singer opened up about the lack of diversity in the queer music movement, revealing, “ I’m operating in the hopes that me putting myself out in the mainstream again will be a good look for black non-binary people." Read the rest of the interview here.
Elliot Page: The transgender, nonbinary, star spoke to Vanity Fair in 2021 about his coming out, saying that he “Finally felt able to just exist”. Read the interview conducted by trans journalist Thomas Page McBee here.
Zaya Wade: Transgender daughter to Dwayne Wayde and Gabrielle Union, Zaya has been a powerful voice advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and resources. She is currently a model as well as advocate and can be found on social media @Zayawade. To read more about her click here.
Hunter Shafer: The Euphoria star is transgender, she transitioned when she was 15. But, she doesn't want that to be the only defining thing about her. Recently she’s been speaking out about trans actors only being cast in transgender roles and how it can at times feel demeaning as though she’s only able to play one type of character. Read her interview with GQ here.
Hopefully these resources and stories help you to realize you’re not alone. But, talking to someone who isn’t in your social circle can also be helpful to get neutral, third party tips and advice or to even just talk without fear of what you say going anywhere. Book your free consultation with Ashlee today at AIMcounselingwa.com/consultation