Transgender

TransgenderTransgenderWhen the sex someone was assigned at birth does not correspond to how they feel and/or…Read more means that a person’s sexSexAll acts that can sexually arouse you. Sex is more than sexual intercourse.…Read more does not correspond to how they feel or behave.

Transgender is also called genderGenderGender is about the roles and expectations we as a society have of…Read more diversity. There are various forms of transgender:

• Some people combine characteristics of men and women. They identify themselves as a man and woman or neither of these.
• Some transgender people sometimes identify themselves as a man and sometimes as a woman.
• Others behave and dress like the other sexSexAll acts that can sexually arouse you. Sex is more than sexual intercourse.…Read more.
• Lastly, there are also people who want to change sex. A transgender person can change sex through surgery and hormones, if he or she wishes. Transgender people can choose whether or not they want to have treatmentTreatmentCare and/or follow-up by a professionally trained person. Treatment can be given with…Read more and how far they want to go with their treatment.

A transgender person does not have a problem or a diseaseDiseaseWhen someone's body, part of the body or mind no longer functions well.…Read more.

In the Netherlands, discriminationDiscriminationTreating people differently, for example because they have another skin colour, sex or…Read more against transgender people is forbidden by lawLawRules which decide what you may and may not do. Every country has…Read more. It is forbidden by lawForbidden by lawIf an action is forbidden by law, the law says that you must…Read more to treat people differently and to exclude or place restrictions on them because of their gender identityGender identityThe inner feeling of being a man, a woman or both. A person’s…Read more.

Discovering that you are transgender

Most people find it very confusing when they think they are transgender. Give yourself time. Talk to people you trust, or seek professional help and support.

Some people think that they are mad, others are unsure about who they are or are very unhappy with their body.

If you have difficulties with your thoughts and feelings you can talk about them with a specialised healthcare professional.

Telling others that you are transgender

There is no right or wrong way to tell someone that you are transgender. Think about how and when you want to tell people, the reactions you expect and how you see the future.

You do not have to tell everyone immediately. For instance, you can first tell a healthcare professional or another transgender person. You can then tell your best friends, parents and family for instance, and then other people.

Next, you might also change your appearance or name. Some people find it very difficult to change the way they see you.

SexualitySexualityA central aspect of being human. It is a normal and positive way…Read more

Many transgender people do not like their body. This means that they find sexuality a difficult subject. This may change after treatment with hormones or an operation. Transgender people will then usually be more satisfied with their body.

Hormones have a great impact on sexual desireSexual desireThe feeling that you would like to have sex. Someone can feel sexual…Read more. Some people have a higher sexual desire and others have a lower one. Male hormones usually increase sexual desire and female hormones reduce desire. An operation may increase sexual desire again.

Protection against STIs and HIVHIVA virus (human immunodeficiency virus) that affects the natural immune system. When someone…Read more

STIs are infections that are transmitted through sexual contact with someone who has an STISTISTI means sexually transmitted infection: an infection that is usually only transmitted by…Read more. You can reduce the riskRiskPossibility that something unpleasant may happen, for example a disease.Read more of infectionInfectionInfection occurs when a germ enters the body and causes damage. A germ…Read more.

Trans men (people assigned female at birth but who have a male gender identity):

• Use a condom during vaginal sexVaginal sexSex with penetration of the vagina.Read more and anal sexAnal sexSexual contact with penetration of the anus.Read more. There are condoms in all sizes. You can also use a dental damDental damThin piece of latex which covers the vulva or anus during oral sex. A…Read more instead of a condomCondomCovering of thin rubber that a man wears over his erect penis. A…Read more.
• If you still have a vaginal opening, you can also use a female condom.
• You should also use a water-based or silicone-based (no oil) lubricantLubricantSlippery fluid or gel used on the penis, vagina or anus. A lubricant…Read more during anal sex. This prevents the condom from tearing.

Trans women (people assigned male at birth but who have a female gender identity):

• Use a condom during vaginal sex and anal sex. You can also use a female condomFemale condomLarge condom that a woman puts in her vagina. The condom collects the…Read more during vaginal sex.
• Always use a lubricant, even during vaginal sex. This prevents the condom from tearing.
• Take care with anal sex because the skin of the perineumPerineumSkin between the scrotum (men)/vagina (women) and the anus. In both men and…Read more is thin.

You are also protected against STIs if you and your regular partnerPartnerPerson you are in a relationship with.Read more both test negatively for STIs and do not have sexual intercourseSexual intercourseSexual act in which the penis penetrates (enters) the vagina or anus.Read more with other people.

Desire to have childrenDesire to have childrenWanting to have a child. Some people have a very strong desire to…Read more

Hormones or a sex change operation may cause infertilityInfertilityNot being able to have children.Read more. If you wish to to have children, you can choose sperm cellSperm cellParticle in a man's semen that can fertilize a woman's egg cell. When…Read more treatment or have your egg cells frozen. Discuss this with a healthcare professional.