FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION
Gender Identity
Gender is a universe—gender identity is a person's innermost concept of self – how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. Someone’s gender identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth. Gender expression is the outward expression of one’s gender. Usually expressed through behavior, clothing, haircut, voice, etc., this may or may not conform to societal expectations based on the gender binary.
Gender shows up in every facet of our lives. Everyone has their own unique experience of gender which makes it a deeply personal journey. It is an intricate exploration to and through mind, body, and heart, often giving us the opportunity to connect to ourselves in a way that almost nothing else can. When we experience liberation at this level we can access deep healing individually and on a collective level.
See below for support and education regarding gender identity, as recommended by trans activist Daniel Sannito (they/them).
The specialist
Specialist-recommended resources
ARTICLES:
Moving Beyond the Gender Binary to Reconnect with Self | Daniel Sannito
Whether you identify with the sex you were assigned at birth or not, or whether you identify within the binary, outside of it, or have renounced its existence completely, you have experienced gender trauma. In this article, we explore gender and how it shapes the world around you.
Existing Outside of Binary Truths | Daniel Sannito
Explore a more expansive way of being and thinking and make room for a myriad of truths to exist all at once. At the heart of this opportunity is liberation, which is ultimately our goal in any mindfulness practice.
BOOKS:
Beyond the Gender Binary | Alok V. Menon
Alok Vaid-Menon challenges the world to see gender not in black and white, but in full color. Taking from their own experiences as a gender-nonconforming artist, they show us that gender is a malleable and creative form of expression.
Man Alive | Thomas Page McBee
What does it really mean to be a man? In Man Alive, Thomas Page McBee attempts to answer that question by focusing on two of the men who most impacted his life. An extraordinary personal story to tell a universal one—how we all struggle to create ourselves.
Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identity | C. Riley Snorton
In Black on Both Sides, C. Riley Snorton identifies multiple intersections between blackness and transness from the mid-nineteenth century to present-day anti-black and anti-trans legislation and violence.
Additional Chopra-recommended resources
Seek Support
The healing process is different for everyone. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call one of the hotlines listed below. In case of an immediate emergency, dial 9-1-1.
LIST OF HOTLINES
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 24/7 hotline, staffed by trained individuals, for those in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Crisis hotline (English) : 800-273-8255 ; (en español) : 888-628-9454
National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline (organized by RAINN): The hotline is a referral service that can put you in contact with your local rape crisis center: 1-800-656-4673, or access their online chat here.
Trevor Project Hotline, Chat, Support Center: The Trevor Project offers trained counselors and 24/7 support to LGBTQ+ young people “In crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk.” TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386.
1in6 National Helpline for Men Who Were Sexually Abused or Assaulted: 24/7 chat with a trained advocate.
Strong Hearts Native Helpline: Culturally appropriate, anonymous, confidential, and free service dedicated to serving Native American and Alaska Native survivors, and concerned family members and friends affected by domestic, dating, and sexual violence. 24/7 line to advocates that help connect survivors to tools and immediate support resources: 1-844-762-8483
National Street Harassment Hotline: Operated by RAINN, this is a resource for individuals affected by gender-based street harassment ranging from catcalls and unwanted sexualized and homophobic comments to illegal acts like following, flashing, groping, and sexual assault. Hotline: 1-855-897-5910
US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division online report filing: Link to online report and information
U.S Department of Justice Trafficking in Persons and Worker Exploitation Complaint Line: Hotline concerned citizens can call to report suspected human trafficking or worker exploitation and contact the FBI field office nearest to them. They offer foreign language translation services. Hotline: 1-888-428-7581
*The content in these resource pages is intended for your informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health programs.
*Chopra neither endorses nor is responsible for the accuracy and reliability of any products, services, events, opinions, advice, or statements made by anyone other than an authorized Chopra representative while acting in their official capacity.