Xtra Explains: Social vs. medical transition

Pop culture and the media often portray being trans as a doctor-filled medical experience involving surgeries and hormones. But for most trans people—especially trans kids—transitioning can often be a lot more about social transition. 

Social transition includes things like changing your name or how you want to be referred to.

As part of our series Xtra Explains: Trans Youth, senior editor Mel Woods breaks down everything you need to know about social versus medical transition.
Check out other explainers on topics like sports, puberty blockers and social contagion theory on our website, YouTube channel and TikTok. Head over here to see the sources cited in this video.