Being Me: Childhood & Adolescence Period - A Transgender Lived Experience
Abstract
Personal narrative presentation delivered at the Royal College of Psychiatrists International Congress 2024, examining childhood and adolescent experiences of gender identity development from lived experience as a transgender physician. The presentation traces the journey from early childhood gender recognition through adolescence, exploring identity conflicts, family dynamics, school experiences, and mental health challenges faced by gender-diverse youth. Drawing from personal experience growing up in India, the presentation addresses: - Early gender recognition and identity conflicts in childhood- Family relationships and support systems (parents, siblings)- School environment challenges and bullying in all-boys educational settings- Mental health impacts including isolation, anger, and coping mechanisms- Adolescent development intersecting with gender identity and sexual orientation- The role of internet access as both resource and risk for gender-diverse youth- Contrasts between historical isolation and contemporary Generation Z experiences- The importance of affirming gender expression and identity in supporting young people Presentation follows the speaker's journey from childhood struggles through medical career development, gender transition while working as teaching faculty in India, and establishment of India's first Gender Care Team at MGMCRI Pondicherry. References previous 2023 RCPsych Liverpool presentation and includes reflections on supporting current Generation Z transgender youth. Content emphasizes that complexity surrounding gender diminishes when diversity is embraced as a natural part of life, challenging purely evidence-based approaches to questions that fundamentally pertain to living people with inherent complexities.