"An Ill-Fitted Sweater that You Just Can't Seem to Get Off" Beyond Labels: The Lived Experience of Gender Dysphoria and Body Perception

Gender dysphoria (GD) is characterized by the incongruity between one’s assigned and perceived gender identities, reflecting the complex interaction between self and the societal norms. The embodiment of GD adds a layer of complexity, as individuals strive to maintain a stable body image. This study investigates the bodily experience of GD sufferers through a comprehensive review of behavioral and neuroimaging studies and a qualitative analysis of firsthand resources from YouTube. By focusing on a narrowed population, transgender or gender non-conforming (e.g., non-binary) individuals, we aimed at identifying common patterns related to the body perception in GD. Previous behavioral and neuroimaging studies suggested that individuals with GD experience significant bodily discomfort impacting their body perception and mental health, potentially linked to unique neural circuitry in the body representation network. Our findings highlight repetitive themes of alienation from their physical bodies, particularly specific body parts, and expressed a desire to embody their perceived gender. This misalignment led to reports of depression, anxiety, and severe distress, leading in extreme cases to suicidal ideation. However, the study also identified positive experiences. Individuals described Gender Euphoria as a feeling of liberation and finally “becoming right”, often after transitioning. This study also observed fluctuations in GD, specifically among non-binary individuals, potentially reflecting their fluid gender expression. These findings support a holistic understanding of GD, where self-identity is constructed through embodied experiences. A stable and integrated sense of self, body, and gender appears crucial for mental health and well-being.