05/11/2026
One of the things about being an ally and advocate is realizing there is always more to learn.
Recently, we've been learning more about concepts like gender dysphoria, gender euphoria, and something called transmedicalism.
For a long time, many people believed that a person had to experience intense suffering or distress (gender dysphoria) in order to be “really” transgender.
That idea is often connected to something called transmedicalism — the belief that being trans must be defined primarily by dysphoria, medical diagnosis, or a desire to medically transition.
But transgender and nonbinary people have challenged the ideas behind transmedicalism.
And as allies and advocates, we do too. (***see SPECIAL NOTE)
Because not every trans person’s story begins with pain.
Sometimes it begins with relief.
With recognition.
With joy.
With finally feeling at home in yourself.
That’s where the idea of gender euphoria comes in.
Gender euphoria is the happiness, peace, comfort, or sense of rightness someone may feel when their gender is affirmed — through a name, pronouns, clothing, hairstyle, community, or simply being seen for who they truly are.
And one thing we recently heard someone say was:
“Gender euphoria can’t exist without gender dysphoria.”
But the more we learn, the more we understand that human beings are more complex than that.
Some people understand themselves through pain. Others understand themselves through joy.
Some realize something was wrong. Others realize something finally feels right.
And that distinction matters.
Because sometimes parents, teachers and even doctors only pay attention when a child is hurting badly enough.
But joy is information too.
Relief is information too.
Peace is information too.
When someone lights up after hearing the right pronouns… When they smile more freely… When they seem more grounded, more confident, more alive…
That matters.
Because a person should not have to prove their suffering before we honor their joy.
🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵
Good allies always keep learning.
🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵
***SPECIAL NOTE: We want to make it very clear — we do NOT endorse transmedicalism.
It's harmful — mot only does it create exclusionary gatekeeping and fosters ideas that exclude non-binary people and those who experience gender euphoria rather than intense distress, but by questioning the validity of individuals, it can also increase shame, anxiety, and su***de risks, particularly for those who do not fit a medicalized, binary mold.
