[Advice] [USA] Ask us: What do I do about these feelings about my gender when no one will listen?
Stephanie Stevens
Thursday, Mar. 11, 2010
Ask us: What do I do about these feelings about my gender when no one
will listen?
TeenGrowth.com
Q: I'm a 14-year old African American girl who loves things that boys
like, such as video games and punk clothing. But my family wants me to
act like a young woman. But I want be like a boy. Every time I mention
anything about a sex change, everyone calls me crazy. I just need
someone who's honest, trustworthy and understands my problem.
A: Many adolescents have questions and concerns about their sexuality,
so you are not alone. This period of questioning is normal. It isn't
clear though what you really are asking or want do you just want to do
the kinds of things that many boys typically do, or do you want to
become a boy physically? It's often hard for younger adolescents to
tell the difference, but it's very important eventually to figure this
out. Regardless, it is way too soon to talk about sex change
operations.
Here are some things to think about. Do you feel like you are a boy
trapped in a girl's body? Are you sexually attracted to boys, girls,
both or just don't know?
At this time you need to find someone you can trust with whom you can
talk, and it sounds like you and your family aren't on the same page.
Your doctor may be the place to start. Unfortunately, not all doctors
understand problems related to teen sexuality. If your doctor isn't
helpful, try to find a doctor who has special interest or training in
caring for adolescents and have your parents to make an appointment
for you. Perhaps one of your teachers, a school counselor or a
psychologist could also help you begin to sort things out.
While you are waiting to decide with whom you can talk, look at these
Web sites for more information to help you think through your
questions.
* PFLAG: http://community.pflag.org/Page.aspx?pid=194&srcid=-2
* Youth Assistance Organization: http://www.smyal.org/
* Advocates for Youth: http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/
The above sites have a lot of information specifically for adolescents
who have questions about their sexuality. This information will help
prepare you for the next step of talking with someone.
To have TeenGrowth's board of physicians answer your health question,
visit the Web site (http://www.teengrowth.com) or e-mail
feed...@teengrowth.com. TeenGrowth is a non-commercial Internet site
that focuses exclusively on the educational health issues of
adolescents.
http://www.modbee.com/2010/03/11/1083229/ask-us-what-do-i-do-about-these.html