What is Gender Dysphoria and How Do I Know If I Have It?
Are you uncertain of your gender identity or need to talk to someone who understands the complexities of gender dysphoria?
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Are you asking yourself questions such as:
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How do I know my gender?
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How do I figure out my gender identity?
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How to know if I am transgender?
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How to deal with gender dysphoria?
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To understand the meaning gender dysphoria, visit this more in-depth page on Gender Dysphoria.
Peer Support for Gender Dysphoria
Transbefrienders offers a unique befriending service for individuals in Singapore who are experiencing gender dysphoria or questioning their gender identity.
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Our buddy system pairs you with a trained volunteer who provides a neutral, listening ear and shares resources for additional support and encouragement.
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We offer gender dysphoria support groups online, and face-to-face, creating a safe space for transgender youths and young adults to connect and share experiences.
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Our befriending service specifically assists those who are seeking gender identity help, including individuals considering transitioning or de-transitioning*.
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We provide intermediary support between you and our professional counselling partners, helping to build a holistic support system. The befriending process typically lasts for three months but can be extended to six months. Sessions take place primarily over the Telegram app, but can also be hosted at the Lavender Nest, our home in Singapore.
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We encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and socialise within a supportive environment.
Our services are exclusively available to individuals in Singapore, ensuring localised and culturally relevant support.
How do I access Gender Dysphoria support with Transbefrienders?
If you have the Telegram app installed on your device, click on the button below and request support:
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If you do not have the Telegram app installed on your device, email info@transbefrienders.com (subject to availability) and a member of our team will take you through the account creation process.
A case manager will contact you after your request is processed. They will match you with a suitable befriender. We may also refer you to our counselling partners.
What to Expect From Your Befriending Support Sessions
Befriending sessions will take place over three months, but this can extended to six months if necessary.
Our sessions are conducted on the Telegram app.
Sessions can also be face-to-face at our physical premises in Singapore upon request.
We will check in with you periodically to ensure your needs are met.
A feedback form will be sent at the end of your befriending cycle.
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All information will be kept confidential. However, confidentiality will be broken if we refer you to professional counsellors upon request or relevant authorities when safety is compromised.
I Want to Become A Transbefriender Volunteer
If you are interested in supporting young, trans, Singaporeans, find out how to become a Befriender with our organisation.
More Gender Dysphoria and LGBTQ+ Resources
​We also have further information on:
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Urgent LGBTQ+ Care and Assistance
If you require immediate assistance, contact Samaritans of Singapore, a 24-hour hotline for individuals in crisis, or with suicidal tendencies:
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Dial 1767 or
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WhatsApp (+65) 9151 1767 or
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Visit their website.
You can also call the IMH Mental Health Helpline, a 24-hour helpline for individuals facing mental health crises:
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Dial (+65) 6389 2222 or
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Visit their website
Services Transbefrienders cannot offer:
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*Financial support or medical advice/items. However, we can refer you to medical professionals upon request.
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A gender dysphoria hotline - Use the Oogachaga WhatsApp Counselling service
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Healthcare - if you require information about accessing gender-affirming healthcare, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and referrals to psychiatrists or endocrinologists go to TransgenderSG
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Legal advice - if you require information on the legal requirements for changing gender markers on official documents in Singapore, visit Same But Different.
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Housing assistance - We don’t provide direct housing support, but The T Project offers shelter services.
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Substance abuse treatment - This is a specialised area that may require professional intervention, go to The Greenhouse.
How to know my race and how to figure out my ethnicity
If you are confused about the differences between gender, race and ethnicity, here is a quick reminder:
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Gender - as defined by the World Health Organization - is, “Gender refers to the characteristics of women, men, girls and boys that are socially constructed. This includes norms, behaviours and roles associated with being a woman, man, girl or boy, as well as relationships with each other. As a social construct, gender varies from society to society and can change over time.”
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Race - Race is a social construct used to categorise people based on perceived physical traits such as skin colour or facial features, even though it lacks inherent biological validity and an internationally agreed definition.
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Ethnicity - Ethnicity is a social identity rooted in shared cultural practices, language, ancestry, traditions, and historical experiences that bind a group together. Unlike race (which focuses on physical traits), it is a self-defined, fluid concept shaped by societal norms and personal identification with collective heritage, religion, or customs. Ethnic groups may evolve through assimilation, migration, or intergenerational shifts, reflecting dynamic cultural expressions rather than fixed biological categories
Therefore, Transbefrienders does not favour or discriminate against anyone based on race or ethnicity. Our focus is assisting those with gender dysphoria.