Module 02 · Growing up

Your body is yours for life

Being the steward of your body, and why some choices can’t be undone. 8 min · 3 lessons

Lesson 1

You’re the steward of your body

You’re the steward of your body and your health, and the choices you make now can shape the rest of your life. Most things can be changed later, but some can’t: a pregnancy, an infection like HIV or herpes that stays with you for life, a photo that never goes away, or a medical treatment that permanently changes your body.

You can’t go back in time, so give the big decisions the time, maturity and wise counsel they deserve.

Lesson 2

Questions about gender identity

Some young people have questions or strong feelings about their gender. You have time to think, to seek counsel and to hear more than one point of view, including the ones that challenge you, so you can move forward with confidence. No one should pressure you in any direction.

Some seasons of life are transformative. During them, things can feel unclear, and what you feel now may or may not be where you land in the long run.
Take your time. You don’t need to have the answers, choose a label or make big decisions right now.
Know what’s permanent. Some medical treatments for gender dysphoria can permanently change your body, and some can affect your ability to have children later. Some people who change their bodies are glad they did, and some regret it.
Seek counsel. Talk with a licensed counselor, with trusted adults who care about you, and with people who see things differently than you do.

No one can make this decision but you, and time is your friend.

Lesson 3

Look after your mental health

In a 2023 CDC survey, about 7 in 10 transgender and questioning high school students reported persistent sadness or hopelessness, and about half of transgender students had seriously considered suicide. Hard feelings are not a sign that something is wrong with you, and you don’t have to carry them alone.

Someone to talk to: The Trevor Project, 24/7, 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678. Teen Link, teens talking with teens from 6 to 10 p.m., 866-833-6546. Or call or text 988 any time. On Orcas, see counseling options.

Check yourself

Myth or fact?

Every decision about your body can be undone later if you change your mind.

Myth. Most choices can be changed, but some can’t: a pregnancy, a lifelong infection like HIV or herpes, a photo that has been shared, or a treatment that permanently changes your body.

Taking time before a big decision is a sign of weakness.

Myth. Taking time, asking for counsel and hearing other views is how people make decisions they can stand behind for life.

Some medical treatments for gender dysphoria can affect your ability to have children later.

Fact. Some treatments can permanently change the body, and some can affect fertility. That’s why they deserve time and a thorough evaluation.

Questions people ask

Asked and answered.

Who can I talk to if I’m confused about who I am?

A licensed counselor is a good place to start, along with trusted adults who care about you. On Orcas, the Orcas Community Resource Center offers low-cost counseling and Compass Health offers counseling for young people. You can also ask us privately.

What if the people around me are pushing me one way?

No one should pressure you in any direction. Take your time, hear more than one view, and remember that this decision is yours.

Still have a question?

Ask privately