The Adam’s apple is a jut at the front of a person’s neck formed by the thyroid cartilage of the larynx. It has many purposes, but one major reason is to protect the voice box from injury. This feature is more prominent in men than it is in women, and among the few that have it protruding, it is due to the high level of testosterone, and often, they opt to get it reduced. It is mostly found unattractive by the majority of the population, which is or might be the reason for the discomfort of women to have it protruding. But that should not be of concern; it is important to understand that it is very normal for women to have a prominent Adam’s apple, whether they are transgender or are born female.
The Misconception Of The Adam’s Apple In Gender Diversity
There is a gendered assumption that supports the idea that Adam’s is a feature only for men, and that is outdated as far as gender norms are concerned. There are so many medical realities that contradict all the population misjudgements, for instance, there are some cis women who have a prominent Adam’s apple right from puberty. Some cis men do not have it, and a lot of transgender individuals don’t experience body changes as traditionally expected. It is important to know that physical traits of the body do not at all define a person’s gender.
A Confidence Booster For Transgender Individuals With The Apple
As a transgender individual, it can be very discouraging to have an Adam’s apple in a misinformed world. But words of affirmation can help boost the confidence of a transgender woman. There are some therapeutic gender affirming care centres that can help individuals feel comfortable with themselves, depending on their goals, for instance:
- Laryngeal shave
- This is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the thyroid cartilage from the larynx, which is short for removing the Adam’s apple.
- Speech therapy
- This process helps individuals to learn to speak and communicate at the level of their comfort.
- Hormone therapy
- This is done by taking women’s hormones to make physical changes in the individual’s body.
- Tracheal shave
- This is a surgery done to reduce the size of Adam’s apple, not to remove it.
Your Body Is Valid!
Inasmuch as the world may agree with one thing that disputes the scientific realities of the transgender community and their body features, that does not erase the truth that features like the Adam’s apple define you. What defines an individual is their self, and there’s no one or anything that can change it. It is important to understand there is no correct or wrong way to look like any gender or anything beyond and in between. What matters is how an individual feels in their body and what helps them live authentically. In conclusion, nothing should reduce your confidence in the way you are. If anything, VJ’s Transgender clinic is here to take you through the whole journey to embracing your amazing self.
