Transgender or Mental Illness?

I am who I am

What I am about to say may not sit well with everyone. It might even challenge you to think critically for yourself rather than blindly following the narrative of the side you align with. This isn’t an article about politics. It's about how, all too often, we adopt the opinions of others simply because we share a broader worldview with them. When we don’t fully understand an issue, it’s easy to trust that our “side” is the right one. However, history often reminds us that some of us end up standing on the wrong side of controversial issues.

I’m not here to tell you that one side of the political spectrum is better than the other. Instead, I encourage you to build your own foundation of right and wrong—one not dictated by politics, religion, or authority figures. Let that foundation come from emotional intelligence and a deeper sense of integrity within yourself. Emotions, when navigated correctly, can guide us to do the right thing. The challenge is that many of us don’t know how to process complex emotions like anger, fear, shame, guilt, or sadness. Instead, we seek the quickest way to escape them—often by finding others who feel the same way so we can avoid accountability and silence our guilt.

But guilt, when processed healthily, can inspire change. It’s a basic principle of psychology: our brains interact with emotions in a way that can guide us toward better behavior. However, holding yourself accountable and truly changing is hard, especially if you’ve spent a lifetime avoiding that discomfort. It’s like being pulled in two directions. Your instincts and established patterns urge you toward comfort, but deep down, you know that the foundation you’ve built is flawed. Learning to trust healthy emotions as a compass is a transformative, although challenging, experience.

I want to preface my point with this because your instincts might prompt you to dismiss what I’m about to share. But if you process this information with an open mind, it might not only shift your perspective but also help you treat those who experience life differently with greater compassion.

The reality is that there is biological science behind the transgender experience. Being transgender is not a choice; it begins in the womb. Biological development is incredibly complex. Hormones like testosterone and estrogen influence not only physical sex but also brain structures during fetal development. Research has shown that certain brain regions related to gender identity often align with an individual’s experienced gender, not the sex assigned at birth. Genetics and hormonal variations also play a role in shaping this alignment.

Transgender people have existed throughout history. This isn’t some new trend or agenda—it’s a deeply human experience that has always been present. In the past, trans people often lacked the language or societal acceptance to express their identities openly. Many lived in fear of rejection, persecution, or worse. Imagine the internal conflict of suppressing who you truly are just to be loved and accepted by those who claim to care for you. It’s a form of psychological torture that words can barely describe.

No one chooses to endure this. Many transgender individuals have wished they could conform to societal norms just to avoid the pain of rejection. They try to ignore their feelings, often for years, until they reach a breaking point—either embracing who they are or losing themselves entirely because they cannot meet the expectations of those around them. This is why so many transgender people struggle with mental health issues and, tragically, take their own lives.

The real tragedy lies with those who claim to love them but offer conditional support—love that depends on whether the person conforms to their expectations. This is psychological abuse. When parents or loved ones refuse to accept a transgender person for who they are, it creates an emotional environment so toxic that many turn to drugs, alcohol, or suicide to escape it. If you truly love someone, your support should not come with conditions.

Advocates for transgender rights aren’t asking for anything unreasonable. They want to create environments where individuals can navigate their experiences with dignity. They want education to foster understanding and compassion, not indoctrination. Misinformation fuels ignorance, which in turn breeds unnecessary hate. Educating ourselves about these issues removes ignorance and fosters empathy.

What about mental illness? There’s a common misconception that being transgender is a form of mental illness or delusion. This is simply not true. Gender dysphoria—the distress someone feels when their gender identity doesn’t align with their physical sex—is not a mental illness. It’s a recognized psychological experience that helps describe what transgender individuals go through. Mental illness, of course, doesn’t discriminate, and some transgender individuals may also struggle with mental health issues unrelated to their gender identity. This is why it’s important to approach these conversations thoughtfully, ensuring that individuals receive the right support and guidance for their unique experiences.

Approximately 1.14% of Americans identify as transgender—that’s about 1 in 167 people. Many people have never knowingly interacted with a trans person, which may explain the prevalence of ignorance and misinformation. If more people took the time to understand transgender experiences, they’d see how real and deeply personal they are.

Some of you reading this may have a child or loved one who is transgender, whether you know it or not. How you choose to respond to this topic can profoundly impact their journey. Your reaction could either make their path more difficult or provide the support they need to thrive. That’s not the kind of guilt you want to carry through life.

I hope this inspires you to wrestle with your own thoughts, hold yourself accountable, and change any behavior rooted in judgment or hate. Let your actions echo love and grace, even in the face of differences.