There are many reasons why people choose to identify as male, female, both, neither, or otherwise. One reason is that they want to feel comfortable in their own skin and have a positive sense of identity. Another reason is that they may be exploring different aspects of themselves and trying to figure out what feels right for them. Still another reason could be that they want to challenge traditional gender roles and norms. But no matter what the reason is, there is one thing that all people who identify as gender diverse have in common - they experience constant self-explanation.
Self-explanation occurs when someone has to explain their gender to others because it doesn't match up with societal expectations.
If a person presents as male but identifies as non-binary, they might constantly be asked "what does that mean?" or "how do you define your gender?" This can be exhausting and frustrating, especially since there is no simple answer. It also means that these individuals must continually justify themselves to other people, which can take a psychological toll.
Constant self-explanination can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and even depression. It can make people question their own identity and feel like they don't belong anywhere. They may start to doubt whether or not they made the right choice in how they identify. And they may begin to feel like they need to hide who they really are in order to fit in better.
On top of this, constant self-explanation takes time and energy away from other things. People who are constantly explaining themselves may find it difficult to focus on work, school, relationships, or anything else important in their lives. They may also become overwhelmed by the amount of questions and comments they receive about their gender. This can lead to burnout and fatigue, making it hard for them to function day to day.
The bottom line is that being gender diverse comes with its challenges, including constant self-explanation. It's important for everyone to remember that we all have different experiences and perspectives on life, and there's no one way to be "right" when it comes to gender identity. So let's try to create a more accepting world where everyone feels comfortable being themselves, without having to explain why.
What is the psychological cost of constant self-explanation in gender-diverse lives?
Research has shown that people who are gender diverse may experience increased levels of anxiety and depression due to the need for consistent self-explanation. This can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation as well as difficulty forming meaningful connections with others. Additionally, there may be social consequences associated with gender nonconformity which can contribute to further distress.