Psychological Pressure from Internalized Beauty Standards
Transgender and non-binary people are under tremendous pressure to meet society's ideas of what is beautiful and desirable. These societal expectations can be harmful and create feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt. This pressure often begins at an early age when children are exposed to gender stereotypes about how they should look and act based on their assigned gender.
Girls may be told that they should have long hair, wear pink, and play with dolls, while boys are supposed to like sports and roughhousing. As these individuals grow up, they may feel pressured to fit into rigid gender roles, which can result in internalizing beauty standards that reinforce traditional views of masculinity or femininity. The psychological effects of this can be severe. Transgender and non-binary people who do not conform to such norms may experience rejection, discrimination, and violence. They may also face challenges in finding employment, housing, and acceptance within families and social circles.
Physical Appearance
Physical appearance is one aspect of beauty standards that transgender and non-binary people may struggle with. Society places a lot of value on physical attractiveness, which can lead to anxiety and body dysmorphia for those who don't meet mainstream expectations. Trans women may feel pressure to appear feminine, even though they were raised as men, while trans men might be criticized for being too "feminine." Non-binary individuals may feel like they must choose between appearing male or female, creating tension and discomfort. Some may opt for surgeries to alter their bodies to match their gender identity, but this can cause further mental health problems, including depression and low self-esteem.
Behaviors and Interests
Behaviors and interests can also create anxiety for transgender and non-binary people.
Trans women may feel shame for enjoying activities traditionally associated with men, while trans men may feel guilty for liking things considered feminine. This can lead to internalized homophobia or transphobia, causing them to hide their true selves from the world. In addition, these individuals may feel pressured to act in ways that are not consistent with their personalities, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Mental Health Consequences
The psychological effects of internalizing societal beauty standards can have devastating consequences for transgender and non-binary people. They may suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues due to feeling like they cannot live up to society's expectations. They may experience social withdrawal, substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicidal thoughts as a result. It is crucial to recognize the impact of societal norms on these communities and work towards acceptance and inclusion.
Transgender and non-binary people should seek supportive networks of peers who understand their experiences and struggles. They should avoid comparing themselves to others and focus on being true to themselves. Acceptance starts at home, where families must learn to respect and celebrate their children's identities. Schools and workplaces need to provide safe spaces for trans and non-binary students and employees.
Society must do its part by challenging gender stereotypes and promoting positive messages about body image, identity, and self-acceptance.
Transgender and non-binary people face significant pressure from socially constructed beauty standards, which can negatively affect their physical appearance, behaviors, and mental health. To combat this, we must create more inclusive environments where everyone feels accepted and supported regardless of their gender or sexuality. By doing so, we can foster greater understanding and appreciation of our differences, leading to a better world for all.
What psychological pressures arise from internalizing socially constructed beauty standards, particularly among transgender and non-binary individuals?
According to research, transgender and non-binary individuals may experience a variety of psychological pressures when trying to adhere to society's beauty standards. These pressures can include feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, and self-doubt (Smith, 2018). One study found that transgender women reported higher levels of body dissatisfaction than cisgender women, which was linked to increased depressive symptoms (McCreary et al.