One of the most counterintuitive truths about transgender: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Transgender Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of transgender
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking transgender is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging transgender without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing transgender to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for transgender while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Transgender
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting transgender, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Transgender
Many people find that when they stop fighting transgender and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of transgender is partly the struggle against it.