Gender affirmation surgeries, also known as sex reassignment surgeries, often involve complex processes - having to undergo many assessments, referrals and extremely long waiting lists. It may also be very expensive to undergo any gender affirmation surgeries, as the NHS waiting list is so long. For many trans folks, these surgeries are necessary for their mental health, and for a large proportion, act as suicide prevention, with 40% of transgender people attempting suicide in their lifetime. The process itself is extremely traumatising for many, even if it is necessary, as the constant questioning and testing of one’s identity take a huge mental toll.
Gender affirmation surgery is not a necessity or desirable for a lot of transgender or non-binary people, but society has been unable to understand this fact. Appearance does not reflect gender, and it should not change the respect we have for someone’s correct pronouns and name. This does not mean anyone is wrong for wanting the surgeries - it is a personal choice.
Often, gender affirmation surgery is seen as a necessity for someone’s gender identity to be believed by others. There seems to be a lot of social pressure for non-binary folks to present as more androgynous, trans men to present as more “masculine” and for trans women as more “feminine”. But gender is not indicated by gender presentation, sexuality, sense of style, or the body someone has.
Written by Kate Hopwood
Artwork by Zara Masood
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