The subject of this article is about how certain societal standards can negatively impact the mental health of individuals who identify as Transgender or Non-Binary, specifically when it comes to their perception of physical attractiveness. It's no secret that many cultures have specific beauty standards that are heavily influenced by gender roles and norms, but what isn't often discussed is how these standards can be harmful to those who do not conform to them. This article will explore the ways in which internalizing these ideals can cause significant psychological distress for transgender and non-binary people.
The idea of what constitutes "beauty" has been around since ancient times, and it continues to play a significant role in modern society. From magazines to movies, advertisements to social media, there are countless messages telling us what is beautiful and what is not.
These standards tend to favor cisgender men and women and exclude anyone who doesn't fit into those categories.
Cisgender men are typically expected to be muscular and tall while cisgender women are supposed to be thin and curvy. These expectations create a lot of pressure for both genders, but they can be especially damaging to those who don't identify with their assigned gender at birth.
Transgender and non-binary individuals may struggle with feelings of self-doubt and shame if they feel like they don't meet cultural beauty standards. They may question their identity and wonder why they were born with a body that doesn't align with their true gender. This can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts. In addition, Transgender and non-binary people may face discrimination and harassment from others who don't understand or accept their identities. This can further contribute to mental health issues.
Socialization is a significant factor contributing to this issue. Children learn about beauty standards early on, often through TV shows, movies, and other forms of media. This leads them to believe that certain physical traits are more desirable than others, which can cause harmful effects later in life when they try to conform to these ideals. It's important to note that these standards aren't just based on appearance; they also involve behavior, clothing, and personality.
Some cultures have strict rules about how men should act or dress, while others require women to be submissive and quiet.
The media plays an essential role in perpetuating these stereotypes by portraying cisgender characters as the only ones worthy of attention and admiration.
Many popular movies feature muscular men and thin women as the protagonists, sending the message that anyone else isn't desirable. This leaves transgender and non-binary individuals feeling isolated and alone, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Another significant factor is societal pressure. Many people feel like they need to meet these expectations to be successful and attractive, whether it's getting married, having children, or finding employment. This puts undue stress on those who don't fit into traditional gender roles, making them feel like outcasts. They may even face discrimination in various areas of their lives, such as at work or school.
There's the issue of medical interventions. Transgender and non-binary individuals may seek hormone therapy or surgery to align their bodies with their true gender.
This process can be expensive and invasive, causing additional distress and anxiety. Some people may even choose not to pursue these treatments because they fear rejection from family or friends.
Internalizing cultural beauty standards can cause significant psychological harm for transgender and non-binary individuals. It leads to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and depression, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. It also contributes to social exclusion, making it harder for these individuals to find acceptance and belonging in society. While change won't happen overnight, it's essential to promote body positivity and challenge these ideas. We must create a world where everyone feels comfortable being themselves without fear of judgment or ridicule.
What psychological costs arise from internalizing culturally prescribed ideals of gendered beauty, particularly for transgender and non-binary people?
Transgender and non-binary people may feel anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia due to internalizing cultural ideals of gendered beauty that do not align with their identity. This can lead to self-harming behaviors such as eating disorders, body modification surgeries, and other forms of harmful coping mechanisms. They may also experience social rejection and stigma, which further exacerbates these negative feelings.