The Phases of ROGD
By guest author: Maggie @oatsandmag
Please note: Opinions expressed in guest articles are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect positions held by the Gender Dysphoria Alliance. We have published this article as one person’s account of the ROGD phenomenon. It has not been reviewed for evidence-based accuracy.
Tracking the internal development of rapid onset gender dysphoria I recently read Donna M’s PITT article, ROGD Phases — Time for Some Definitions. The phases described were primarily concerned with external actions, such as coming out, breast binding, or cosmetic surgery. I commend Donna for taking the initiative to identify the varying stages of transition, and I would encourage the audience to read it before proceeding.
The announcement of a transgender identity does not automatically imply that a person will require hormones or surgery, necessitating various stages of transition and detransition. I’d like to contribute by describing the internal progression of one’s feelings and perceptions of gender dysphoria. Obviously, this will not apply to everyone! What I’ve written is aimed at a very specific group of identity-driven adolescents. This model does not apply to those with child onset gender dysphoria or males with autogynephillia.
As stated in the PITT article, a person may exhibit some or all of the characteristics of a phase. The stages are also not sequential, from A to 0 or from B to I. Someone could be in stage C or D while preparing for transition stage I or II. Another may be in stage F but have made no attempts to advance beyond transition stages 0 or I.
In summary, individuals may be in different “internal phases” before ever coming out as transgender or attempting to transition. Some will claim to have no dysphoria while attempting to transition medically, while others will claim to have severe dysphoria upon coming out.
Stage A
Comfortable with natal sex. Connected to same sex peers. Experiences unity between perceived identity and natal sex. Believes physical appearance adequately expresses identity and personality. Does not feel othered. Content.
Stage B
Event causes conflict with connecting with same sex peers. May feel distress at the separation of the sexes. Rejection of natal sex begins. Person may feel connected to tomboy or outsider narrative. May feel comfortable with sex characteristics, but uncomfortable with sex stereotypes. May express envy towards members of the opposite sex. Wavering between attraction to female or male sex stereotypes. Lack of commitment to one. May feel disconnected from the trans community or unaware of what transgender is.
Stage C
The idea of a new identity is attractive. May experiment. May begin to feel insecurity with sexed body. Connected to persons of same identity group, regardless of sex. May feel an attraction to LGBT culture despite being heterosexual. Frustrations with sex stereotypes are taken out upon the sexed body. May idolize members of the opposite sex. May experience sexual confusion.
Stage D
New identity formation with a belief in gender identity begins. Insecure in both identity and sexed body. May dissociate from sexed body. May be hesitant to share new identity out of fear of rejection. Desire to be trans or valid enough exists until validation is received, and identity encouraged. Rejection will increase hatred of the sexed body for creating conflict in all aspects of life. Acceptance is important to the individual to feel seen. Intense desire for others to recognize new identity. Lacking assurance and clarity.
Stage E
Complete rejection of natal sex. Believes physical appearance no longer reflects identity and personality. No longer comfortable with perceived identity. Does not believe the mind and body to be consistent with one another. Feels trapped by society. May alter personality or sexed body to actualize new identity. Dressing may relieve uncomfortable feelings of perceived gender dysphoria. Pleasing the identity group is very important. Analyzes what others think of their new identity. Preoccupation with other’s perceptions.
Stage F
Confident in new identity. Thinks of self as trans. Feels at home in the trans community. Feels trapped in both society and natal sex. Despises sexed body due to societal expectations. Relief is obtained through modifying the body, society, and isolation to identity group. Intensively desires relationships where they are not othered. Believes biological sex and gender are both social constructs. Believes the gender identity to have an important role in one’s life. Commits to an us versus them narrative.
Republished with permission from the author. Originally published on Medium: https://medium.com/@awbreymaggie8/the-phases-of-rogd-29266b67215d
Related Articles:
The Archetypal FTM: Sensitive, Quirky, Artistic, Weird Girls, by Laura (@detranny)
ROGD Phases — Time for Some Definitions, by Donna M
The Arc of Detransition, by Stella O’Malley (@stellaomalley3)