42: Understanding Transgender Identity

Do you want to better understand what it means to be transgender, and how you might provide gender-affirming care? Today we’re talking with someone who knows a lot about it, annnd just happens to be transgender! Nik is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), co-owner of group therapy practice and crisis intervention service in California.

In this episode, Nik talks about the differences between gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, as well as their own transgender identity and transition. 

We debunked the fear of “social contagion,” using the framework of historic stigma and discrimination of “left-handedness" to explain that “when we allow human beings to be their authentic selves, greater numbers of diverse expression naturally emerge.” 

We also talked about body image “after” transitioning, and the answer might surprise you!