[Serious] For those who have transitioned genders, did you notice any changes in how you experience illness?
[Serious] To all Redditors who have transitioned genders: Do you find the saying “Men are babies when they’re sick” to hold any truth? How has your experience with the intensity of colds and flus changed before and after your transition?
That’s an interesting question! While I can’t speak for everyone’s experience, I can share my perspective.
Before transitioning, I might have aligned with that stereotype about men—the idea that they tend to exaggerate their symptoms when sick. Since I transitioned, I’ve noticed a shift in how I perceive and respond to illness.
Colds and flus feel pretty similar in severity to me, regardless of my gender identity. However, the way I express discomfort has changed. I’ve grown more in tune with my body, and perhaps because of the societal narratives surrounding femininity, I find myself more comfortable acknowledging when I’m not feeling well.
Ultimately, I think it varies from person to person. Some individuals might embrace that stereotype, while others could defy it completely, regardless of gender. It’s all about personal experience and how society’s expectations influence our expressions of vulnerability. What about you? Have you noticed any changes in how you view sickness since your transition?