Yes, it is perfectly okay to transition in any way that you want. It does not make you selfish. You don’t “owe it to your culture” to continue repressing by pretending to be something that you’re not. There is nothing wrong with being trans, and there is nothing wrong with you being yourself.
As for tackling your internalized transphobia, I would encourage you to stop intentionally seeking out transphobic content online - as you have already identified it is a form of digital self-harm. If there are specific sites that you’re going to I would intentionally try to avoid going to them, or block yourself from going there if the impulse is too strong. I think doing this will be a pretty good step, to stop exposing yourself to all the transphobic rhetoric.
I have also found mindfulness helpful in overcoming internalized transphobia to help analyze your thoughts and where they are coming from, but I’m no expert. I would recommend talking with an LGBT+ friendly therapist if you are in a position to see one.
Hi, Jasmine,
Yes, it is perfectly okay to transition in any way that you want. It does not make you selfish. You don’t “owe it to your culture” to continue repressing by pretending to be something that you’re not. There is nothing wrong with being trans, and there is nothing wrong with you being yourself.
As for tackling your internalized transphobia, I would encourage you to stop intentionally seeking out transphobic content online - as you have already identified it is a form of digital self-harm. If there are specific sites that you’re going to I would intentionally try to avoid going to them, or block yourself from going there if the impulse is too strong. I think doing this will be a pretty good step, to stop exposing yourself to all the transphobic rhetoric.
I have also found mindfulness helpful in overcoming internalized transphobia to help analyze your thoughts and where they are coming from, but I’m no expert. I would recommend talking with an LGBT+ friendly therapist if you are in a position to see one.