Yes, it is absolutely possible to get top surgery and still identify as a girl.
Top surgery, or chest masculinization surgery, is a procedure to remove breast tissue and create a more masculine-appearing chest. While often associated with transgender men, non-binary individuals, and some cisgender men, it's also a valid option for anyone, including those who identify as girls, who experience gender dysphoria or simply desire a different chest contour.
Here's a breakdown of why this is possible:
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Gender Identity vs. Gender Expression: Gender identity (your internal sense of being male, female, neither, both, or somewhere else) is different from gender expression (how you outwardly present your gender). Someone who identifies as a girl can still choose to express themselves in ways that might be considered masculine or androgynous, including surgically altering their chest.
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Personal Choice & Bodily Autonomy: Ultimately, decisions about one's body are personal. If a girl feels more comfortable or aligned with their identity by having a flatter chest, they have the right to pursue top surgery. There is no single "correct" way to be a girl.
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Non-Binary Identities: Some people identify as non-binary or genderqueer, meaning their gender identity falls outside the traditional male/female binary. Some non-binary individuals may identify partially as female or have a complicated relationship with traditional gender categories, and still choose to have top surgery as a form of gender affirmation. The reference information explicitly states: "Nonbinary people can and do have top surgery, but it's not required to be considered part of the nonbinary or trans community." This highlights the diversity within transgender and gender non-conforming identities.
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Beyond Transgender Identities: While top surgery is often discussed within the context of transgender or non-binary identities, cisgender (non-transgender) individuals can also choose to undergo the procedure for various reasons, further demonstrating that the surgery is not solely tied to one's gender identity.
In conclusion, identifying as a girl does not preclude someone from having top surgery. The reasons for choosing this procedure are personal and varied, and gender identity does not dictate what surgeries someone can or should have.
