Gender identity pertains to our sense of who we are and how we see and describe ourselves. Most people identify as "male" or "female", the "binary" identities.
However, there are some people who feel that their gender identity is different from their biological sex. A person who has male genitals and facial hair may not see himself as male or feel masculine. Another person who has female genitals and breasts does not identify as a female or feel feminine. These people do not define themselves as having a "binary" identity. They are often called "non-binary".
Many people with gender dysphoria have a strong, lasting desire to live a life that "matches" or expresses their gender identity. They do this by changing the way they look and behave. Some people with gender dysphoria may want to use hormones and sometimes surgery to express their gender identity.
The specialist to consult for gender transitioning would be a psychiatrist who has a special interest in persons with gender identity and sexual problems. The psychiatrist may then refer the person to an endocrinologist who is trained and experienced in helping these group of individuals when they need hormonal interventions.
The psychiatrist may work closely with a psychologist or counsellor to help the individual and his or her family members. It may take many months before the parents and siblings will learn to accept the person's gender identity.
Adaptation to their new gender roles would also need time, patience and lots of resilience. The psychiatrist would also be able to provide help and guidance for persons who have difficulties coping with work commitments and national service obligations.
