What makes a good transition is different for everyone as we all have different wants and needs – which is true in terms of the transitions of transgender people. In general transitions of children and young people will be judged by both cultural ideas as well as some personal perspectives – for example some young people may be judged by their academic success, as well as how their peers interact with them. According to Thompson et al, all transitions in modern society are non-linear and different for all people (Thompson et al, 2002, p335). There are some ‘critical moments’ which occur for children and young people – defined as the moments and events which produce significant consequences to people’s lives and identities (ibid, p339). Often these critical moments will be centred around their schooling, family, housing, relationships, and leisure which most people will feel a change concerning within their transition from being a child or teenager into being a young adult. Whilst transitions are not linear being able to identify these critical moments can help to point narratives of a ‘good transition’ as defined by these critical moments occurring smoothly (ibid).

According to Israel, a transgender counsellor, “transgender person’s success hinges on receiving critical care, family and social support” (Israel, 2008, p53) which suggests that trans people will simply not be able to be successful without the support of others. Israel highlights that success needs to be the goal of not just the transgender person, but of those around them, for example their families and parents who are supportive in their relatives’ transition, in order to overcome an often transphobic society (ibid, p58). The understanding that a child or young person’s parents will indicate the wider family’s perception on their transition is prevalent, with most siblings of the transgender person taking their understanding and acceptance from their elders, however there is some understanding that these siblings can educate themselves on these issues (ibid, p59). It’s concluded by Israel that young people’s success is dependent on if they are able to surround themselves with people and resources that are trans positive (ibid, p63).

Every trans person has a different definition for success. Some view it as the people around them using their proper pronouns, others need to feel gender euphoria. Some need to have their legal name and gender changed, and some need to simply feel comfortable expressing themselves on different platforms, be that in real life or online. Using a trans person’s correct pronouns – the way that we talk about someone, e.g. hers; his; or theirs – is a way to show respect and understanding of someone’s identity, ensuring you are inclusive of them in whatever information you share with them (Stonewall, 2020). Gender euphoria is the almost opposite of dysphoria – when someone is distressed or discomforted by their gender identity not aligning with their biological sex (Webster, 2020). Euphoria is when they feel affirmed in their gender though many different ways, such as medically via hormones or surgery, changing their name, or simply dressing differently (TransHub, 2014). In a similar concept to using someone’s pronouns, using their chosen name is another way of showing respect as well as acceptance and love. According to a study conducted by the University of Texas at Austin the young people – aged 15 to 21 – who could use their chosen name in school, home, at work, and with friends found a 71% decrease in severe symptoms of depression, a 34% decrease in suicidal thoughts, and a 65% decrease in suicidal attempts (UT News, 2018). Being trans online can be both empowering and challenging. Having a safe space online for trans people to freely be themselves is often a crucial lifeline for them, depending on their participation levels and how easy these safe spaces are to find (Jenzen, 2017, p21). However, there is an understanding that there are a lot of cisgender, heterosexual and white norms found on the internet which can be difficult for some young trans people to navigate (ibid, p22). Offline people are often only afforded being themselves through passing – which is where others view the trans person as the gender that they are. This can often allow trans people to enter the conversations and physical spaces that they feel comfortable in, and be treated as such (Be you network, 2020). However, some would feel the drawbacks of passing – described in the aforementioned article – is the drawbacks to the perceptions of their gender (ibid). For example, when a trans man passes they may be viewed in the same slightly predatory way that some cis men are viewed in when they smile at children (ibid).

As stated in the start of this section, a successful transition looks different for everyone. As transgender people will all have different experiences pre-transition as well as during the transition, many will have different goals and targets. This will often be based on the people around them, the financial options that they have available to them, as well as personal preferences.