: Re: How to portray a character with gender dysphoria? Context In my fantasy novel-in-progress, one of the two main characters has a close friend he's known since childhood. Both of them are greatly

@Gretchen741

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What is gender dysphoria?

Gender dysphoria is a relatively new diagnosis, defined as someone who feels uncomfortable with their body because it does not align with their gender identity. Unlike an outdated diagnosis of transgenderism (which was treated with conversion therapy), gender dysphoria is treated today with hormones, surgery, clothing that reinforces one's gender identity, and/or therapy. The word itself is almost certainly anachronistic in Victorian times.

Transgender and "experiencing gender dysphoria" are not synonyms. I am transgender all of the time, but as long as I work out and wear the right clothes I experience gender dysphoria very rarely. Others may experience gender dysphoria more regularly. The more severe the dysphoria the earlier people usually transition, and the more severe the mental health ramifications are if they do not.

As a trans man, gender dysphoria for me is usually accompanied by intense anger at myself, any God that exists, and the world in general. When I'm suffering from dysphoria I push myself to work out to dangerous levels, yell often, and throw things when I'm alone.

How to portray gender dysphoria

As with everything, the two keys to portraying gender dysphoria are figuring out what role the scene is supposed to play in your story, and doing your research. For research, read biographies by trans people and news articles that include interviews with parents of young trans kids. (Parents from conservative backgrounds who let their kids transition young usually do so because of particularly severe dysphoria.)

If you're not writing from inside the head of the trans character, gender dysphoria might be a little hard to distinguish from other disputes over gender identity. It's a bit hard to portray respectfully because it looks a little extreme to the outside observer. Trademarks of dysphoria are aversions towards mirrors/reflections, and aggressive reactions towards parts of one's own body (as if trying to get rid of it).

For a scene inside the trans character's head, gender dysphoria is associated with very strong reactions (temper issues, depression, eating disorders), and frustration with an inability to get others to understand what's wrong.

Note that most books about transgender characters rarely include scenes about gender dysphoria, although they may talk about it in the abstract. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't include it. The main reason scenes of gender dysphoria are usually avoided is probably because they are very internalized and may seem hard to believe for cisgender audiences.

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