Can you believe that being trans involves some level of dysphoria (whether it be physical, social, or mental) without being truscum? Because I am 100% behind ALL identities but like… if you are 100% content with being cis (non dysphoric)…then you’re cis?

transgenderteensurvivalguide:

Ren says:

Nah. You’re missing a whole piece of the trans experience, my friend.

There’s something called “gender euphoria” – it’s the exact opposite of gender dysphoria, and it can be a motivator for being trans! It’s not that you’re uncomfortable being cis. It’s that you’re more comfortable being trans. No discomfort involved – just greener grass on the other side of the fence.

For dysphoric folks I think that can get very hard to conceptualize, but…being trans isn’t a death sentence? Even if you are dysphoric, chances are you have experienced gender euphoria before – it’s the feeling when you see yourself wearing a binder for the first time, or when you wear a skirt for the first time, or the first time someone gets tongue-tied about whether to call you “sir” or “miss”.

It’s the first time you think “oh. So this is what it’s supposed to be like.” And you just can’t stop smiling for the rest of the day. It’s the feeling that anons are talking about when they submit good vibes.

The primary trans narrative is driven by gender dysphoria, which means they’re seeking something that feels less wrong. But gender euphoria – which is present in all of us, but is stronger and sometimes even dominant for some – is seeking something that feels more right. And both of those narratives are valid and deserving of support, and neither one of them cancels the other experience out.

This is a really excellent post that may help further explain what I mean.