2025 is starting to come to an end, which means that everyone die 18 or older should be looking at zijn/haar/diens/hun health care ze benefits! Already heall if you get or want/are going to get gender care in 2026.
This is the moment! So why is this so important? A health care verzekeraar contracts with health care providers, and each health care verzekeraar determines zelf which health care providers ze contracts with.
What if you don't do this? Then you may het so zijn that you have to start paying money out of your own pocket unnecessarily. If a health care provider does not he have a contract with the health care provider from whom you receive care, you often have to zelf pay part of it out of your own pocket. Identifying your care needs and finding an appropriate health care provider can therefore save you a lot of money.
Good to know: Gender care (transgender care) is largely reimbursed from the basic Verze benefit.
What can you think about and pay attention to?
Find out what gender care you want/will receive in 2026 and from which health care provider(s) theze care will come.
Check on the website of the health care provider(s) with which health care providers zeker ze have a contract hebben for 2026.
Is the health care provider die you want to use not yet contracted? Contact your health care providerzekeraar for information and check also with the provider zelf for clearheid.
Compare several health care verze benefits with independent comparison site such as Zorgwijzer.nl.
Using the previous steps, determine which healthcare providerzekeraar het best suits your healthcare needs.
Important dates
December 31: This is the last day to zeggen your current verzekering.
Jan. 31: This is the last day to close your health careze benefit for 2026.
Onze tips
We generally recommend about het a combination policy with free/own cueze. This usually allows you to zelf determine which healthcare provider you use, even if your healthcare providerzekeraar does not have a contract with hen heeft. This is especially useful if you don't yet know which health care provider you will get care from, or if you are enrolled with multiple health care providers. Without your own/free cueze you het run the risk that you will not be reimbursed for care at a specific healthcare provider, or that you will have to pay zelf more. Depending on your healthcare providerzekeraar, contracts and het type of care (e.g., GGZ or MSZ*), some of the cost may come out of pocket. Non-contracted GGZ is often partially reimbursed; exactly how much depends on the verzekeraar and het gekozen package.
Set your deductible to €385 and zet het pay in installments on, spreading your deductible. Will you still not meet it? Then you get it back at het end of het year. This way you avoid paying a large sum all at once.
Do you have a low income? You may be eligible for care allowance. You can checken and apply for this through the Taxdienst.
You can also look at how ethisch responsible and sustainable your health care verzekeraar is. In fact, health care providers sometimes invest hun money in arms trading or fossil energy, which is bad for the world. You can research this through fair-moneyzer.co.uk..
*GGZ = mental healthheid care: because het reimbursement difference in mental health care is small, you can zelf weigh whether a verze benefit with own/free cueze is relevant. Theze care includes expert opinion, diagnostics and psychische help.
MSZ: medical specialistische care: want/get surgicalische- or hormone care, but don't know where yet? Choose a policy with own/free cueze, reimbursement is high and you often don't have to pay anything zelf. Theze care includes surgicalhe or hormone care.
Before taking out a health care ze benefit, do some zelf research on this! Choose a healthcarezekeraar die het best suits your healthcare needs.
What can I kiezen? We hebrought you the most commonly used gender health care providers and health carezekers, including hun contracts.
We hebben taken some of the largest health care verzekerers and gender care providers, so not all of them. Under each named verzekeringsconcern, there are several verzekerers, see zorgwijzer.nl for more info on this.
There is undercheid in the table between the GGZ (mental healthheid care) and the MSZ (medical specialistische care). In gender care, het obtaining expert opinion, diagnostics and psychische help falls under mental health care. MSZ includes surgery (gender-affirming surgery) and endocrinology (hormone care).
Do you still have questions after theze blog, or zijn things still unclear? Please send Roan an app or email, hij maybe you can helpen! +31 6 12 29 13 63, roan@bo-diversity.com
Disclaimer: theze table was created with information die available on 15-12-2025, there may be other information known zijn in the meantime. So please zelf still do research on this.
2025 is coming to an end, which means that everyone who is 18 or older needs to take a look at their health insurance! Especially if you are receiving gender-affirming care, or plan to receive it in 2026
This is the moment!
2025 is coming to an end, which means that everyone who is 18 or older needs to take a look at their health insurance! Especially if you are receiving gender-affirming care, or plan to receive it in 2026. Why is this so important? Health insurers sign contracts with healthcare providers, and each insurer decides for them itself which providers they contract.
What happens if you don't do this? You might end up paying unnecessary costs out of pocket. If your health insurer does not have a contract with the healthcare provider where you receive care, you often have to pay part of the costs yourself. By mapping out your healthcare needs and choosing a suitable health insurer, you can save a lot of money.
Good to know: Gender-affirming care (transgender healthcare) is largely covered by the basic health insurance in the Netherlands.
What should you think about and pay attention to?
Find out which gender-affirming care you want or expect to receive in 2026, and which healthcare provider(s) will deliver this care.
Check the website of the healthcare provider(s) to see which health insurers they have contracts with for 2026.
Is the provider you want to use not yet contracted? Contact your health insurer for more information, and also check with the provider themselves for clarity.
Compare different health insurance plans using an independent comparison website such as Zorgwijzer.co.uk.
Based on the previous steps, decide which health insurer best fits your healthcare needs.
Important dates:
December 31: Last day to cancel your current health insurance.
January 31: Last day to take out a health insurance policy for 2026.
Our tips
We generally recommend a combination policy with free choice of provider. This usually allows you to choose your own healthcare provider, even if your insurer does not have a contract with them. This is especially useful if you do not yet know which provider you will receive care from, or if you are registered with multiple providers. Without free choice, you risk that care from a specific provider will not be reimbursed, or that you will have to pay more yourself. Depending on your insurer, their contracts, and the type of care (e.g. mental healthcare or specialist medical care*), part of the costs may come out of your own pocket. Non-contracted mental healthcare is often partially reimbursed; the exact amount depends on the insurer and the chosen policy.
Set your deductible to €385 and enable payment in instalments, so you pay your deductible spread out over time. If you end up not using it, you will get this money back at the end of the year. This helps prevent having to pay a large amount all at once.
Do you have a low income? You may be eligible for healthcare allowance. You can check and apply for this via the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst).
You can also look into how ethical and sustainable your health insurer is. Health insurers sometimes invest their money in the arms trade or fossil fuels, which is harmful to the world. You can research this via eerlijkegeldwijzer.nl.
* Mental healthcare (GGZ): because reimbursement differences within mental healthcare are relatively small, you can decide for yourself whether a policy with free choice is relevant. This type of care includes expert opinions, diagnostics, and psychological support. * Medical care specialist (MSZ): if you want or receive surgical or hormone care but do not yet know where, choose a policy with free choice. Reimbursement is usually high and you often do not have to pay anything yourself. This includes surgical care and endocrinology (hormone treatment).
Before taking out a health insurance policy, make sure to do your own research as well! Choose the insurer that best fits your healthcare needs.
What can I choose?
We have researched the most commonly used gender-affirming care providers and health insurers for you, including their contracts.
We selected a number of the largest health insurers and gender-affirming care providers, but not all of them.
Each insurance group includes multiple insurers; check Zorgwijzer.nl for more information.In the table, a distinction is made between mental healthcare (GGZ) and specialist medical care (MSZ). Within gender-affirming care, expert opinions, diagnostics, and psychological support fall under GGZ. MSZ includes surgery (gender-affirming surgeries) and endocrinology (hormone care).
Disclaimer: this table was created using information available on 15-12-2025. New information may have become available since then. Always do your own research as well.
Do you still have questions after reading this blog, or is something unclear? Feel free to send Roan a message or an email he may be able to help you further!
The pronouns she/her and he/him have been part of our everyday language for a long time. However, more and more people no longer feel comfortable with these pronouns. They may prefer they/them or a combination of pronouns.
If you want to play the quizzes from Pro-Now, you will come across a variety of pronouns. This is because not all gender-diverse people use the same pronouns: it differs from person to person. In the quiz, you will encounter neutral, mixed, and binary pronouns.
Neutral pronouns are pronouns that are not specifically male or female. Unlike binary pronouns like he/him and she/her, they are not tied to the traditional gender binary. Many non-binary, intersex, and gender-diverse people use neutral pronouns because they feel more accurate and comfortable for their identity. A neutral pronoun is they/them.
They/them pronouns have existed in English for centuries and are widely used when someone's gender is unknown. Today, it is also an important way to respect and affirm people's gender identities.
Mixed pronouns are combinations of two pronoun sets, such as they/she or he/they. Someone may enjoy hearing both because they do not fully identify with one or the other. It can also mean that one pronoun is acceptable in certain contexts - for example, he/him for people who do not know the person well - while they/them is preferred among trusted friends and family.
If you meet people who introduce themselves with a different order, for example they/she instead of she/they, this is often because they prefer the first pronoun more strongly. For instance, people may naturally tend to default to she/her, while the person would appreciate others consciously using the full combination instead.
Binary pronouns refer to the traditional distinction between male (he/him) and female (she/her). These are the pronouns most people are already familiar with. People can also switch between binary pronouns, which we often see with binary trans people, such as trans men and trans women.But when do you use which pronoun? When do you use them vs. their? And when do you use she vs. her? We'll explain it for you below!
When someone uses they/them pronouns:
When someone uses she/her pronouns:
When someone uses he/him pronouns:
Each person's preferred pronouns can differ, so checking and using the correct pronouns is a meaningful way to show respect and inclusivity.
The pronouns she/her and he/him have been part of our everyday language for a long time. However, more and more people no longer feel comfortable with these pronouns. They may prefer they/them or a combination of pronouns.
If you want to play the quizzes from Pro-Now, you will come across a variety of pronouns. This is because not all gender-diverse people use the same pronouns: it differs from person to person. In the quiz, you will encounter neutral, mixed, and binary pronouns.
Neutral pronouns are pronouns that are not specifically male or female. Unlike binary pronouns like he/him and she/her, they are not tied to the traditional gender binary. Many non-binary, intersex, and gender-diverse people use neutral pronouns because they feel more accurate and comfortable for their identity. A neutral pronoun is they/them.
They/them pronouns have existed in English for centuries and are widely used when someone’s gender is unknown. Today, it is also an important way to respect and affirm people’s gender identities.
Double pronouns are combinations of two pronoun sets, such as they/she or he/they. Someone may enjoy hearing both because they do not fully identify with one or the other. It can also mean that one pronoun is acceptable in certain contexts — for example, he/him for people who do not know the person well — while they/them is preferred among trusted friends and family.
If you meet people who introduce themselves with a different order, for example they/she instead of she/they, this is often because they prefer the first pronoun more strongly. For instance, people may naturally tend to default to she/her, while the person would appreciate others consciously using the full combination instead.
Binary pronouns refer to the traditional distinction between male (he/him) and female (she/her). These are the pronouns most people are already familiar with. People can also switch between binary pronouns, which we often see with binary trans people, such as trans men and trans women.
But when do you use which pronoun? When do you use them versus their? And when do you use she versus her? We’ll explain it for you below!
When someone uses they/them pronouns.
When someone uses they/them pronouns.
When someone uses she/her pronouns.
When someone uses he/him pronouns.
We’ve all probably heard it before: “Hello, ladies and gentlemen.” For many people, this phrase often goes unnoticed, but for trans and non-binary people, it can trigger a dysphoric feeling. So, how can we make sure to address everyone in an inclusive and pleasant way? By using inclusive language and gender-neutral words! Why is this so important? Using inclusive language ensures no one is left out and everyone feels part of what you say or write. But what exactly does 'gender-neutral' and 'inclusive' mean? It depends on the context and the relationship you have with the person.
Switching to general language Do you write emails or texts, or speak in front of groups? Avoid words like 'ladies and gentlemen', 'boys and girls', or 'Ms.' and 'Mr.' Using just these words excludes a whole group of people. Instead, use inclusive alternatives, such as 'people', 'folks' or 'everyone'. You can also address people by their role or function, such as 'students', 'colleagues', 'guests' or 'travellers'. This way, you address people without assigning a gender, which is inclusive language!
Also, much of our language is written in male form, and we don’t always know how to avoid this. Below are different ways to rephrase gender-related words or avoid them altogether. For example, you can choose a plural form:
You can also choose an article instead of a male possessive pronoun:
And then there’s the option to use ‘they’, which is already a neutral term in general language.
In addition to the examples mentioned above, there are plenty of other ways to rephrase your sentences in a more inclusive language. It might feel a bit strange at first, but the more conscious you become of it and the more often you use it, the easier it will be to get the hang of it!
Gender-free family members Family terms are also often gender-based. For example, “father/mother,” “brother/sister,” “uncle/aunt,” “grandfather/grandmother,” “nephew/niece.” All of these words are tied to a specific gender, and many trans and non-binary people feel uncomfortable with them. To make it easier, we’ve created a list of inclusive/gender-neutral alternatives. Don’t hesitate to get creative and come up with words that feel right for you as a trans or non-binary person!
In some situations, there aren’t yet neutral or inclusive words. Especially in the Dutch language, we’re still catching up with creating new, inclusive terms. Take a moment to think about this and try coming up with new words yourself. After all, language is something we create together!
Do you often hear other people use gendered words that make you feel uncomfortable, as an ally or a trans/non-binary person? Don’t hesitate to speak up and explain why it’s important to use inclusive language.
We've all probably heard it before: “Hello, ladies and gentlemen.” For many people, this phrase often goes unnoticed, but for trans and non-binary people, it can trigger a dysphoric feeling. So, how can we make sure to address everyone in an inclusive and pleasant way? By using inclusive language and gender-neutral words! Why is this so important? Using inclusive language ensures no one is left out and everyone feels part of what you say or write. But what exactly does “gender-neutral” and “inclusive” mean? It depends on the context and the relationship you have with the person.
Switching to general language
Do you write emails or texts, or speak in front of groups? Avoid words like “ladies and gentlemen,” “boys and girls,” or “Ms.” and “Mr.” Using just these words excludes a whole group of people. Instead, use inclusive alternatives, such as “people,” “folks,” or “everyone.” You can also address people by their role or function, such as “students,” “colleagues,” “guests,” or “travelers.” This way, you address people without assigning a gender, which is inclusive language!
Also, much of our language is written in male form, and we don't always know how to avoid this. Below are different ways to rephrase gender-related words or avoid them altogetherher. For example, you can choose a plural form:
You can also choose an article instead of a male possessive pronoun:
And then there's the option to use ‘they’, which is already a neutral term in general language.
In addition to the examples mentioned above, there are plenty of other ways to rephrase your sentences in a more inclusive language. It might feel a bit strange at first, but the more conscious you become of it and the more often you use it, the easier it will be to get the hang of it!
Gender-free family terms
Family terms are also often gender-based. For example, “father/mother,” “brother/sister,” “uncle/aunt,” “grandfather/grandmother,” “nephew/niece.” All of these words are tied to a specific gender, and many trans and non-binary people feel uncomfortable with them. To make it easier, we've created a list of inclusive/gender-neutral alternatives. Don't hesitate to get creative and come up with words that feel right for you as a trans or non-binary person!
In some situations, there aren't yet neutral or inclusive words. Especially in the Dutch language, we're still catching up with creating new, inclusive terms. Take a moment to think about this and try coming up with new words yourself. After all, language is something we create together!
Speak up for inclusive language Do you often hear other people use gendered words that make you feel uncomfortable, as an ally or a trans/non-binary person? Don't hesitate to speak up and explain why it's important to use inclusive language.
To explain transgender identities, it helps to first understand the term ‘cisgender’. If you are cisgender, your gender identity matches the sex assigned to you at birth. For transgender people, this is different. There are two main types of transgender identities:
Transgender binary people The term “binary” means two-part, and in this context, it refers to the traditional male/female categories. You are a transgender binary person if your gender identity doesn't align with the sex assigned at birth, but you identify with the opposite binary gender instead. In other words, a trans binary person may identify as a trans man or trans woman, fitting within the male/female categories.
Transgender non-binary people Trans non-binary people, however, don't identify strictly within the male/female binary. Instead, their gender identity or expression exists outside of these two categories. Examples include identities such as gender-fluid, genderqueer, polygender, bigender, demigender, and agender. Each of these identities are unique. A gender-fluid person's identity may shift between genders over time. A demigender person partially identifies with a certain gender, but not fully. Lastly, an agender person does not experience any gender. This identity is separate from the sex assigned to them at birth, although they can always influence each other.
Social transition When someone identifies as transgender, people often assume this means they will undergo both a social and physical transition. However, for some people, a physical transition isn't always necessary. This is where social transition plays an important role.
A social transition involves changes in daily life that don't require any medical or physical adjustments. It's about aligning how others perceive someone as their true gender identity. Social transition can include changing one's name, adopting new pronouns, changing clothing style or appearance, and adjusting behaviors or roles in social contexts. Each person's social transition is unique and can be flexible, allowing them to add or change elements as they grow more comfortable with their gender expression.
Physical transition A physical transition, also called a medical or bodily transition, involves medical steps to change someone's physical characteristics to better align with their gender identity. This can include hormone therapy, surgeries, or other medical procedures such as laser hair removal or voice training. Not everyone chooses or needs a physical transition-some people feel their gender identity is best reflected through social changes without physical adjustments, while others find physical changes necessary.
For some transgender and non-binary people, both social and physical transitions are important; for others, just one type of transition may feel right. The decision to pursue a social or physical transition is highly personal. Many people experience a sense of gender euphoria-positive feelings when their gender identity is affirmed-through social or physical changes. Respect and understanding of others, including the use of correct pronouns and recognizing someone's chosen name, can make a meaningful difference, even without physical transition.
To explain transgender identities, it helps to first understand the term ‘cisgender’. If you are cisgender, your gender identity matches the sex assigned to you at birth. For transgender people, this is different. There are two main types of transgender identities:
Transgender binary people The term “binary” means two-part, and in this context, it refers to the traditional male/female categories. You are a transgender binary person if your gender identity doesn’t align with the sex assigned at birth, but you identify with the opposite binary gender instead. In other words, a trans binary person may identify as a trans man or trans woman, fitting within the male/female categories.
Transgender non-binary people Trans non-binary people, however, don’t identify strictly within the male/female binary. Instead, their gender identity or expression exists outside of these two categories. Examples include identities such as gender-fluid, genderqueer, polygender, bigender, demigender, and agender. Each of these identities are unique. A gender-fluid person’s identity may shift between genders over time. A demigender person partially identifies with a certain gender, but not fully. Lastly, an agender person does not experience any gender. This identity is separate from the sex assigned to them at birth, although they can always influence each other.
Social transition When someone identifies as transgender, people often assume this means they will undergo both a social and physical transition. However, for some people, a physical transition isn’t always necessary. This is where social transition plays an important role.
A social transition involves changes in daily life that don’t require any medical or physical adjustments. It’s about aligning how others perceive someone as their true gender identity. Social transition can include changing one’s name, adopting new pronouns, changing clothing style or appearance, and adjusting behaviours or roles in social contexts. Each person’s social transition is unique and can be flexible, allowing them to add or change elements as they grow more comfortable with their gender expression.
Physical transition A physical transition, also called a medical or bodily transition, involves medical steps to change someone’s physical characteristics to better align with their gender identity. This can include hormone therapy, surgeries, or other medical procedures such as laser hair removal or voice training. Not everyone chooses or needs a physical transition—some people feel their gender identity is best reflected through social changes without physical adjustments, while others find physical changes necessary.
For some transgender and non-binary people, both social and physical transitions are important; for others, just one type of transition may feel right. The decision to pursue a social or physical transition is highly personal. Many people experience a sense of gender euphoria—positive feelings when their gender identity is affirmed—through social or physical changes. Respect and understanding of others, including the use of correct pronouns and recognizing someone’s chosen name, can make a meaningful difference, even without physical transition.
When we talk about transgender and non-binary people, terms like ‘gender dysphoria’ and ‘gender euphoria’ are often used. But what do these terms actually mean?
Gender dysphoria as a medical term Gender dysphoria is the term used in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to describe the psychological distress that occurs when someone's gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. Although gender dysphoria is not classified as a mental disorder, it is recognized as a diagnosis to help people access medical care if they need it. The term is used in the medical field to identify transgender and non-binary people who are eligible for gender-affirming care.
To access this care, gender dysphoria must be officially diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist, who must follow the criteria in the DSM-5. This system often places gender psychologists and psychiatrists in the role of gatekeepers, meaning transgender and non-binary individuals often have to prove they are “trans enough” to receive the support needed. Many transgender and non-binary people, as well as some gender psychologists and psychiatrists, find the DSM system stigmatizing and view the diagnosis requirement as an obstacle to receiving care.
In this blog, however, we want to focus on the individual experiences of gender dysphoria and gender euphoria. While we can criticize the system, we aim to make it better understandable to those who experience either discomfort or joy related to their gender identity.
The definition of gender dysphoria and gender euphoria Gender dysphoria refers to the discomfort or psychological distress that someone feels when their gender identity doesn't align with their assigned gender at birth. This can be both physical and social: gender dysphoria might come from feeling dissatisfied with one's body or from social situations where a person's gender is not recognizedized or affirmed.
Gender euphoria refers to the positive feelings, inner joy, and peace someone experiences when their gender identity is fully expressed. This can also be both physical and social: gender euphoria can come from physical changes that align better with one's identity or from social recognition and validation of who someone truly is.
Examples of body dysphoria and euphoria Body dysphoria occurs when a person feels discomfort because their body doesn't match their gender identity. This could include feeling unhappy with one's breasts, genitalia, or body characteristics like body hair or muscle mass that don't align with how they see themselves. A person's voice can also be a source of dysphoria, as well as body shapes that don't match the desired gender identity.
Body dysphoria is generally a personal experience, but it can also occur during interactions. For example, someone might feel uncomfortable if they are touched on their shoulders or hips. In many cases, this leads to the desire for medical interventions, like surgeries or hormone treatments, to make the body align more with one's gender experience. These physical changes can lead to body euphoria, which is the joy or satisfaction someone feels when their body or expression matches their gender identity. Examples of body euphoria include the happiness someone feels when their body changes through hormone treatment or when they feel proud and comfortable in clothing that reflects their gender identity.
Examples of social dysphoria and euphoria Social dysphoria can occur when someone is not treated as the gender they identify with. This type of dysphoria might happen when someone is misgendered with the wrong pronouns or forced to choose between gendered spaces, such as public restrooms or changing rooms. Social euphoria happens when someone feels seen and heard by others or in certain spaces. By addressing someone with their correct name and pronouns, you contribute to the social gender euphoria of transgender and non-binary people.
Do you need to experience dysphoria to feel euphoria? No, you don't have to experience dysphoria to experience euphoria, or vice versa. Not everyone feels bodily or social dysphoria. For example, some demigirls and demiboys may identify with being female or male physically but not with the social gender norms, roles, and expectations attached to those identities. Cisgender people might experience gender euphoria but usually don't experience gender dysphoria, as they typically don't encounter situations where their gender is misinterpreted.
Not every gender identity will experience the same types of dysphoria or euphoria, as these experiences vary from person to person. For example, not all transgender men experience body dysphoria related to their primary sex characteristics. Some people think that with a certain gender identity, there should come certain expectations-for example, transgender women should have a higher voice, breasts, no facial hair, and a vulva, or non-binary people should appear androgynous and not “too masculine” or “too feminine.” These are stereotypical norms that come from the binary gender system that dominates society, and it's important to let go of these assumptions.
Gender dysphoria and gender euphoria are personal experiences, so don't make assumptions. What you can do is ask someone what can make them feel dysphoric and how you can contribute to their gender euphoria.
When we talk about transgender and non-binary people, terms like ‘gender dysphoria’ and ‘gender euphoria’ are often used. But what do these terms actually mean?
Gender dysphoria as a medische term Gender dysphoria is the term used in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to describe the psychological distress that occurs when someone’s gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. Although gender dysphoria is not classified as a mental disorder, it is recognized as a diagnosis to help people access medical care if they need it. The term is used in the medical field to identify transgender and non-binary people who are eligible for gender-affirming care.
To access this care, gender dysphoria must be officially diagnosed by a psychologist or psychiatrist, who must follow the criteria in the DSM-5. This system often places gender psychologists and psychiatrists in the role of gatekeepers, meaning transgender and non-binary individuals often have to prove they are “trans enough” to receive the support needed. Many transgender and non-binary people, as well as some gender psychologists and psychiatrists, find the DSM system stigmatising and view the diagnosis requirement as an obstacle to receiving care.
In this blog, however, we want to focus on the individual experiences of gender dysphoria and gender euphoria. While we can criticise the system, we aim to make it better understandable to those who experience either discomfort or joy related to their gender identity.
The definition of gender dysphoria and gender euphoria Gender dysphoria refers to the discomfort or psychological distress that someone feels when their gender identity doesn’t align with their assigned gender at birth. This can be both physical and social: gender dysphoria might come from feeling dissatisfied with one’s body or from social situations where a person’s gender is not recognized or affirmed.
Gender euphoria refers to the positive feelings, inner joy, and peace someone experiences when their gender identity is fully expressed. This can also be both physical and social: gender euphoria can come from physical changes that align better with one’s identity or from social recognition and validation of who someone truly is.
Examples of body dysphoria and euphoria Body dysphoria occurs when a person feels discomfort because their body doesn’t match their gender identity. This could include feeling unhappy with one’s breasts, genitalia, or body characteristics like body hair or muscle mass that don’t align with how they see themselves. A person’s voice can also be a source of dysphoria, as well as body shapes that don’t match the desired gender identity.
Body dysphoria is generally a personal experience, but it can also occur during interactions. For example, someone might feel uncomfortable if they are touched on their shoulders or hips. In many cases, this leads to the desire for medical interventions, like surgeries or hormone treatments, to make the body align more with one’s gender experience. These physical changes can lead to body euphoria, which is the joy or satisfaction someone feels when their body or expression matches their gender identity. Examples of body euphoria include the happiness someone feels when their body changes through hormone treatment or when they feel proud and comfortable in clothing that reflects their gender identity.
Examples of social dysphoria and euphoria Social dysphoria can occur when someone is not treated as the gender they identify with. This type of dysphoria might happen when someone is misgendered with the wrong pronouns or forced to choose between gendered spaces, such as public restrooms or changing rooms. Social euphoria happens when someone feels seen and heard by others or in certain spaces. By addressing someone with their correct name and pronouns, you contribute to the social gender euphoria of transgender and non-binary people.
Do you have to experience dysphoria to feel euphoria? No, you don’t have to experience dysphoria to experience euphoria, or vice versa. Not everyone feels bodily or social dysphoria. For example, some demigirls and demiboys may identify with being female or male physically but not with the social gender norms, roles, and expectations attached to those identities. Cisgender people might experience gender euphoria but usually don’t experience gender dysphoria, as they typically don’t encounter situations where their gender is misinterpreted.
Not every gender identity will experience the same types of dysphoria or euphoria, as these experiences vary from person to person. For example, not all transgender men experience body dysphoria related to their primary sex characteristics. Some people think that with a certain gender identity, there should come certain expectations—for example, transgender women should have a higher voice, breasts, no facial hair, and a vulva, or non-binary people should appear androgynous and not “too masculine” or “too feminine.” These are stereotypical norms that come from the binary gender system that dominates society, and it’s important to let go of these assumptions.
Gender dysphoria and gender euphoria are personal experiences, so don’t make assumptions. What you can do is ask someone what can make them feel dysphoric and how you can contribute to their gender euphoria.
