Embracing Euphoria Amidst Gender Transition: A Trans and Queer Therapist’s Reflection

Man smiling at the camera, surrounded by nature

Introduction

I remember the elation of finally coming out. It wasn’t about how others responded—it was about getting the truth out of my head and my bones and into the world, shared in a Facebook post for all to see. The giddiness of taking my first dose of Spironolactone and Estrace still lingers in my memory, as does the joy of shopping for clothes with a new friend. Walking with my wife and child, holding hands, I felt a deep breath of relief—a profound sense of ease. It was as if peace washed over my body, settling my soul in a way I had never felt before.

But then, the hate came. A snide comment here, an under-the-breath remark there. One question about my genitals, and then two. Slowly, those moments of gender euphoria began to unravel. It wasn’t just the emotional toll—I felt it in my body, too. Heels, which once made me feel empowered, were killing me. I needed to run—not just physically, but emotionally—sometimes from the weight of public scrutiny, sometimes just to escape the intensity of it all. Running shoes became a symbol of freedom, a way to reclaim my space, even if only for a short while.

So why write about gender euphoria? Because I know how powerful those moments of joy can be, and how easily they can slip away when the world pushes back. Transitioning is a journey full of complex emotions. That initial wave of joy when you come out can sometimes give way to the challenges of navigating life in transition. Many of us long to reconnect with the gender euphoria that first emerged when we embraced our true selves. As a psychotherapist with lived experience from my own gender transition, I deeply understand the desire to reclaim that joy.

This blog post is my way of sharing what I’ve learned—how to rediscover and cultivate gender euphoria, even in the midst of challenges. I hope it offers practical insights and compassionate guidance for those who, like me, need a reminder that even in difficult times, moments of euphoria are still possible.

The Power of Gender Euphoria Amidst Transition

Gender euphoria is a powerful and affirming experience that many trans and nonbinary individuals encounter during their transition. It’s those moments when you feel fully aligned with your gender identity, when the internal and external finally match. This can be something as seemingly small as seeing your true self in the mirror or as significant as being called by your correct name and pronouns for the first time. These moments of joy, comfort, and self-recognition offer a reprieve from the often-discussed challenges of dysphoria.

While much of the conversation around transition focuses on gender dysphoria—the distress caused by the misalignment between one’s assigned gender and their true self—it is equally important to explore gender euphoria as a source of strength and affirmation. Euphoria allows us to feel whole, to breathe more easily in our bodies, and to move through the world with a sense of peace. For many, it’s a reminder of what it feels like to live authentically.

As noted in Euphorias in Gender, Sex, and Sexuality Variations by Jones (2023), euphoria can be found “within difficult contexts” (p. 37). Even in the face of discrimination, societal pressures, or public scrutiny, moments of affirmation can arise, providing a sense of joy and connection to one’s true self. This positive feeling doesn’t erase the hardships, but it offers a vital source of resilience and hope. It’s in these moments that we are reminded that gender euphoria is not only a possibility but a necessity for many of us to survive and thrive.

This idea is echoed in Trans Bodies, Trans Selves (2014), where contributors emphasize that gender euphoria can be as empowering as dysphoria is debilitating. One trans woman shared how seeing herself in her new clothes for the first time brought her to tears—not out of sadness, but out of pure relief and joy, as if she had finally arrived in her body. These personal narratives remind us that gender euphoria is not just an outcome of transition but a critical part of the journey, offering moments of joy that keep us moving forward, even when the path is difficult.

Rediscovering Euphoria in Everyday Moments

For many, the early stages of gender transition—coming out, socially transitioning, or beginning medical procedures—bring an initial wave of relief and excitement. There’s a palpable joy in the newness of affirming your identity. But as the novelty fades, the everyday challenges of life, external pressures, and the realities of transitioning can sometimes overshadow those early moments of joy. The good news is that gender euphoria doesn’t disappear—it evolves. It can be rediscovered in the small, ordinary moments of daily life.

These days, years after coming out and when gender identity and expression have become woven into the fabric of my everyday life, gender euphoria feels different. It’s no longer about the excitement of each new step but about a deeper, more reflective kind of joy. This sense of euphoria now often comes from moments of mindfulness, from pausing to recognize how far I’ve come and the peace I feel in my body.

Mindful Reflection

For me, mindfulness is one of the most powerful tools for reconnecting with gender euphoria. It’s not always about seeking out grand affirmations, but about paying attention to how I feel in my own skin on an ordinary day. Sometimes, when I pause during a walk or in a quiet moment at home, I notice the ease in my body—the way I no longer feel the tension of dysphoria that once consumed me. These small moments of recognition, of feeling comfortable in my own body, are where gender euphoria quietly resides.

Everyday Affirmations

I also find gender euphoria in the everyday affirmations of my identity, like hearing my name or being addressed with the correct pronouns. Even after all these years, there’s a deep sense of comfort when I’m seen for who I truly am. In Trans Bodies, Trans Selves (2014), one contributor shared how affirming these everyday interactions can be: “Being known as Ms. and feeling comfortable correcting people if they misgender me” was one of the most validating experiences for a trans woman navigating her identity at work . These moments of affirmation can bring a sense of ease, reminding us that our identities are respected and understood.

Connecting Through Creativity

Another way I reconnect with my gender euphoria is through creative expression. As an art therapist, I know the value of using art as a way to reflect on my journey. Sometimes, painting or journaling allows me to express my feelings about my gender in ways that words can’t quite capture. In Trans Love (2018), Freiya Benson emphasizes how self-love can grow through nurturing small acts of creativity, stating that “loving yourself enough to allow yourself to express your gender however feels right” is an essential part of affirming your identity . Through acts of creation, we can reconnect with the joy that comes from living authentically.

The Power of Community

Even when the initial excitement of transition fades, community remains a vital source of gender euphoria. Spending time with others who affirm and celebrate my identity continues to bring me moments of joy and connection. Whether it’s through a supportive conversation with a friend or just being in a space where I don’t have to explain myself, these interactions remind me of the joy that comes from living authentically. In one story from Trans Bodies, Trans Selves (2014), a participant described the euphoria of being part of a gender support group, where the simple act of being seen as their true self offered immense comfort and validation .

Rediscovering gender euphoria in the everyday is about finding peace and contentment in the rhythms of life. It’s not always about the big milestones, but about the subtle ways we feel affirmed in our gender on an ordinary day. Through mindfulness, creativity, and community, I’ve learned to cultivate these moments of joy, and I encourage others to seek out and hold on to their own euphoria—however it shows up.

Small Wins: Finding Joy in Affirming Choices

One of the simplest ways to reconnect with gender euphoria is by focusing on the small wins—those seemingly minor moments that remind you of the progress you’ve made in your journey. Whether it’s choosing clothing that aligns with your gender identity or seeing your reflection after a fresh haircut, these experiences can reignite the feeling of being in alignment with your true self. Sometimes, it’s not about the grand gestures but the everyday affirmations that accumulate over time.

For trans femme individuals, the 1,000,001st electrolysis session that finally clears the last patch of unwanted facial hair can feel like a profound victory—a moment of relief and joy that signals another step toward feeling more at home in your body. For trans masc individuals, it might be the thrill of noticing the first few facial hairs sprouting after weeks on testosterone. These physical changes, whether subtle or significant, are often deeply affirming because they represent your body aligning more closely with your gender identity.

In therapy, I often guide clients through sensory-based techniques, such as Focusing Oriented Therapy (FOT), which invites them to explore the felt sense of gender in their bodies. By paying attention to these experiences—whether it’s the texture of newly grown facial hair or the smoothness of skin after electrolysis—clients can anchor themselves in moments of euphoria. These small wins offer a chance to reconnect with the joy of becoming more comfortable in your own skin.

Journaling or creating art about these experiences can also deepen the sense of affirmation. Art therapy, in particular, can be a powerful tool for reflecting on these small wins and making them more tangible. Documenting the progress you’ve made—whether in visual art, poetry, or personal writing—can help keep these moments of euphoria alive. It’s a way to remind yourself that, even amidst challenges, there are ongoing victories in your transition.

Small wins are not just fleeting moments of joy—they are touchstones. They remind us that progress, no matter how slow or subtle, is still progress. Reconnecting with gender euphoria through these small victories helps ground you in your journey, offering affirmation even when the path ahead feels long or uncertain.

Social and Medical Transitions: A Path to Euphoria

Gender transition is often understood in terms of social and medical changes, both of which can spark profound moments of gender euphoria. Whether it’s being addressed by the correct pronouns for the first time or starting hormone replacement therapy, these experiences bring with them a deep sense of affirmation. They can remind us that our internal identity is being recognized and validated in the external world. But as with any transition, these moments of euphoria are accompanied by challenges—navigating social spaces, dealing with gatekeeping in medical care, and facing discrimination can temper those joyful experiences. Yet, the path to euphoria remains.

Social Transition

Social transition—the process of coming out, changing your name and pronouns, or adjusting how you present yourself to the world—can be a source of both great joy and vulnerability. There is something undeniably euphoric about being seen and affirmed by others. I remember the first time I was addressed by the correct name in a public space, the deep sense of recognition and alignment I felt. It wasn’t just about being seen—it was about being seen fully and authentically, without the need for explanation or justification.

These moments can be amplified in supportive spaces, such as LGBTQIA+ communities or therapy groups. I recall a friend sharing how they felt an overwhelming sense of joy the first time a coworker used their correct pronouns without hesitation. This simple, everyday interaction reaffirmed their identity and created a lasting moment of gender euphoria. In these moments, it’s not just about being seen—it’s about being seen fully and authentically, without the need for explanation or justification.

However, social transition can also come with significant hurdles. Discrimination, lack of acceptance from family or coworkers, or even microaggressions can make the journey difficult. These challenges may sometimes cloud the euphoria of being recognized in your true gender. But each small victory—a pronoun respected, a name correctly spoken—offers a touchstone of affirmation that can help carry you through the harder moments.

Medical Transition

For many, medical transition is a vital aspect of gender euphoria. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), surgeries, and other gender-affirming medical procedures can offer a deep sense of comfort and belonging in one’s own body. These physical changes often provide profound moments of relief from dysphoria, transforming the body to align more closely with one’s gender identity.

One of the most euphoric moments I remember was the first physical change I noticed after starting HRT. The excitement of seeing my body begin to transform, of feeling my skin soften, brought an undeniable sense of affirmation. These small but significant changes signal that the body is finally starting to reflect the identity that has been felt internally for so long.

However, medical transition is not without its complexities. The physical and emotional demands of surgery, hormone fluctuations, and the bureaucracy of accessing care can weigh heavily. Many within the trans* community face gatekeeping within the medical system, long wait times, or challenges with insurance coverage. These barriers can delay or complicate the path to euphoria, but they do not diminish its power. The joy experienced when looking in the mirror and seeing your body finally align with your sense of self is life-affirming.

I remember a friend telling me about the immense relief they felt after recovering from surgery. For the first time, they felt like they could fully breathe, the sense of peace washing over them as their chest binder was no longer needed. These physical transformations are not merely cosmetic—they’re about aligning the external with the internal, about finally feeling that your body is your own.

Yet, it’s important to recognize that euphoria isn’t always immediate after medical transition. The recovery process can be long and challenging, and the physical toll can make the journey to euphoria feel delayed. But as the body heals and adjusts, the moments of euphoria—whether big or small—begin to emerge.

For those in the throes of medical transition, it’s important to hold on to these moments of joy, even when faced with the inevitable challenges. Medical transition is a deeply personal path, and each step, no matter how small, is an affirmation of your gender identity.

Euphoria and Intersectionality: Navigating Multiple Social Identities

Gender transition is never experienced in isolation from other aspects of identity. For many trans and nonbinary individuals—particularly those who are Black, Indigenous, People of Colour (BIPoC), or Two-Spirit—the journey toward gender euphoria is often complicated by additional layers of systemic oppression. Navigating race, class, culture, disability, and other intersecting identities adds unique challenges that shape how gender euphoria can be accessed and experienced.

Euphoria, when framed within intersectionality, doesn’t always manifest as an uncomplicated sense of joy. For some, it can be a hard-won victory over oppressive systems that marginalize their multiple identities. A Two-Spirit person, for example, may find euphoria not only in affirming their gender identity but also in reclaiming cultural and spiritual aspects that were suppressed by colonialism. This layered experience of euphoria is powerful and deeply personal, as it involves healing on multiple levels.

As Trans Bodies, Trans Selves (2014) highlights, the experience of trans individuals who also belong to racialized communities can be profoundly different from those of white trans individuals. A contributor from the book shared that while their gender euphoria was strong, it was often tempered by the daily realities of racism and xenophobia, which made it harder to fully inhabit that joy. This example reminds us that euphoria, while available to all, may come with unique complications depending on one’s intersectional experience.

As a therapist who strives to work from an anti-oppressive lens, I encourage individuals to explore these intersections in therapy. Understanding how internalized oppression—whether it’s transphobia, racism, or classism—affects one’s experiences of gender euphoria allows for the unlearning of harmful narratives. These narratives can inhibit people from fully embracing their identities and the joy that comes with them.

A significant part of this work involves reclaiming joy from a place of agency and resilience. For BIPOC and Two-Spirit individuals, this might look like finding moments of euphoria in culturally affirming spaces where their gender and racial identities are equally celebrated. As described in Trans Love (2018), a contributor shared how finding euphoria through dance and cultural expression was both a gender-affirming and culturally revitalizing experience, blending their identities in a way that was deeply healing.

Gender euphoria, when viewed through the lens of intersectionality, becomes not just a personal affirmation of gender identity but a radical act of resisting multiple systems of oppression. It acknowledges that euphoria may not look the same for everyone. For some, it may be quietly noticing a shift in their body after starting hormones; for others, it may be dancing in celebration with their community, fully aware of their layered identities and the strength it took to reclaim them.

Reclaiming Joy: Strategies for Cultivating Gender Euphoria

For those in the throes of transition, reclaiming gender euphoria is not just about waiting for the big moments but actively creating space for joy in everyday life. Gender euphoria isn’t always a sudden wave of happiness—it can be built up, piece by piece, through mindful actions and choices. Here are some thoughtful strategies to help reclaim and cultivate gender euphoria throughout your journey:

1. Celebrate Small Victories

It’s easy to overlook the small, everyday moments that reaffirm your gender identity, but these victories are crucial to building lasting joy. Whether it’s wearing an outfit that makes you feel like your true self or hearing your chosen name spoken with care, these are the moments that align you with your identity. Keeping a journal to record these experiences can help you stay connected to the joy of those affirmations. Even small things, like the warmth of a compliment on your appearance or the feeling of confidence after a haircut that feels right, can be building blocks of euphoria. Over time, these small wins accumulate, reinforcing the sense that you are living authentically.

2. Engage in Creative Expression

Art therapy can be a powerful avenue for exploring gender identity and reclaiming joy. For many, gender euphoria doesn’t always emerge through words but through creative expression. Painting, drawing, writing, or creating music are ways to explore and express your evolving identity, providing a space for euphoria to emerge, even when the process of transition feels overwhelming. As an art therapist, I often encourage individuals to engage in creative acts as a way of deepening their relationship with their gender identity. In this process, creativity becomes more than just an outlet—it becomes a celebration of the self. Creative expression offers a space where individuals can reflect on their progress and find joy in their own narrative.

3. Connect with Affirming Communities

Finding joy in community is one of the most powerful ways to cultivate gender euphoria. LGBTQIA+ groups, online spaces, or supportive friendships can provide the validation and affirmation that is sometimes hard to find in mainstream spaces. Surrounding yourself with people who see and respect you for who you are can be profoundly healing. These communities become a mirror, reflecting back the beauty of your authentic self and providing safe spaces where you don’t have to explain or justify your identity. Whether it’s attending a support group, engaging in activism, or simply sharing moments of joy with friends who understand your journey, connection fosters euphoria.

4. Practice Self-Compassion

Transitioning can be an emotionally intense process, and it’s important to recognize that it’s okay to have difficult days. Dysphoria, discrimination, and societal pressures can make it hard to feel euphoric at times. But self-compassion is essential in making room for joy, even amidst the challenges. Self-compassion allows you to honour the full spectrum of your emotions, acknowledging the hard days while creating space to celebrate the moments of joy. By treating yourself with kindness and understanding, you create the emotional safety needed to embrace euphoria when it arises. In moments when gender euphoria feels elusive, self-compassion becomes the bridge back to joy.

5. Mindful Reflection

Mindfulness offers a gentle but powerful way to reconnect with your body and your sense of gender. By practicing mindful reflection, you can become attuned to moments when your body feels in alignment with your gender identity. Whether it’s noticing the way your body moves in affirming clothing or pausing to reflect on how HRT has shaped your sense of self, mindfulness helps you stay present with the physical and emotional shifts that happen during transition. These moments of awareness can be profound sources of gender euphoria, as they allow you to fully inhabit your body and recognize the changes that are bringing you closer to yourself. Mindfulness can be practiced in meditation, through body-centered therapies like Focusing Oriented Therapy, or simply by pausing during your day to check in with your body and emotions.

Reclaiming gender euphoria requires intentionality. It’s about finding and nurturing the moments that bring joy, both big and small, and recognizing that euphoria doesn’t have to be a fleeting feeling—it can be cultivated, lived, and held onto. By celebrating small victories, expressing yourself creatively, connecting with affirming communities, practicing self-compassion, and engaging in mindful reflection, you can continue to experience gender euphoria even through the challenges of transition.

Conclusion: Embracing the Magic of Gender Euphoria

Transitioning is more than a journey from one point to another—it’s a reclamation of self, a profound unfolding of the truth you’ve always carried within. And while the road is complex, filled with both joys and challenges, there is magic in the moments of gender euphoria. It’s the magic of seeing yourself clearly, perhaps for the first time, and feeling the deep affirmation of living authentically. Gender euphoria is not just a fleeting feeling or a reward for enduring hardship—it is the quiet, steady power of aligning with your true self.

In the midst of transition, euphoria might appear in the smallest of moments—a knowing glance in the mirror, the touch of fabric that feels like home, the first time your name is spoken with love. Or it might come like a wave, as your body transforms and your reflection becomes a testament to your resilience. This joy is sacred. It’s a spark that cannot be dimmed by external judgment or societal pressure, because it is rooted in your own becoming.

By creating space for these moments—by celebrating, expressing, connecting, reflecting—you keep the door open for euphoria to find you again and again. Transition is not about reaching a final destination, but about embracing every step along the way, each one a new opportunity to rediscover the joy that’s always been yours.

Remember, gender euphoria is not just a feeling—it’s a reclamation. It’s the unshakable truth that you are exactly who you were meant to be, living authentically in a world that too often tries to diminish your light. And that, in itself, is the magic.

Let’s Continue the Conversation

If the idea of reclaiming gender euphoria in this blog resonate with you, someone you love, or your own therapy practice, I invite you to take the next step. Whether you’re a therapist seeking guidance in gender-affirming therapy, or someone navigating the complexities of transition and looking for support, I’m here to help. You may book an individual therapy session with me online. Alternatively, if you have a specific question about these approaches, connect with me via email. Be sure to bookmark this blog for future insights, reflections, and updates.

References

Benson, F. (2018). Trans love: An anthology of transgender and non-binary voices. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Erickson-Schroth, L. (Ed.). (2014). Trans bodies, trans selves: A resource for the transgender community. Oxford University Press.

Jones, T. (2023). Euphorias in gender, sex, and sexuality variations. Palgrave Macmillan.

Disclaimer: This blog offers general educational information and does not constitute professional advice or establish a therapist-client relationship. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Any decisions based on the content are the reader’s responsibility, and Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy assumes no liability. All case studies are hypothetical with fictional names and do not reflect actual people. We prioritize your privacy and the confidentiality of all of our clients. We are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ community care.

Clayre Sessoms is a trans, queer, and neurodivergent Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), offering online therapy for trans*, nonbinary, queer, and 2SLGBTQIA+ allied adults and teens across Canada. With a deep commitment to trauma-attuned gender-affirming care, Clayre integrates talk therapy, experiential collaboration, and creative expression to support clients to grow, heal, or navigate change. When not working with clients or supervising newly-licensed therapists, Clayre finds solace in nature, where she recharges her creativity and compassion.