I'm a survivor of child physical and sexual abuse: how do I know if I'm really trans, or if these feelings are just something coming from my traumatic background?

No matter where the feelings come from, they are valid. There are hundreds of trans people who are not abuse survivors, and there are hundreds of abuse survivors who are not trans. Abuse does not cause gender issues, although feelings about gender can be tied to experiences that made you aware of your gender. The only true way to know if you are trans is to ask yourself if you would be happier as a member of whichever gender it is you're thinking about. If the answer to that question is yes, then it might be time to stop questioning if you are trans and start asking yourself what specifically you should be doing to accommodate your feelings.

Experiment with clothes, make up, hairstyles and everythig else you can experiment with. Find out what you like, what makes you feel comfortable and this will help you to get more aware of your gender identity

Even if your feelings are just the result of your trauma that doesn't invalidate them. However, to discover whether you are "really" trans or are because of your traumatic background, I'd say that you should realize that either way it doesn't really matter.

That's something you have to figure out for yourself. What do you really feel Doing a simple self-discovery session with yourself should help. Think, "who am I inside?" Whatever response you get from your brain should tell you. Try talking to a therapist, as well.

There is no evidence within the psychological community that surviving physical or sexual abuse would lead to feelings associated with being a transgender individual. Oftentimes, survivors of abuse who are also members of the trans* community indicate that their gender dysphoria has extended throughout their lives, preceding any abuse. While abuse can certainly influence a person's personality and sexuality, it is unlikely that the feelings you are experiencing would be in some way due to your abuse history.

Firstly, I am so sorry to hear about your background as it sounds like you have had to deal with a lot. Be true to yourself and the answers will come. See what you like, who you like to hang out around, what you feel more like. Good luck!

This would be something that would be best discussed with a therapist who is trained in these things. On your own, it's about feeling it inside yourself and letting yourself just be open to possibilities.

You don't, and at this stage it doesn't matter. Explore and validate your feelings, and find a therapist whose style works well with your personality. If you are "really" experiencing trauma-based gender confusion, that will become clear with therapy and time. If it concerns you, don't make any big transition commitments (legal changes, hormone therapy, etc) and just concentrate on one day at a time.

I suppose that's something you have to figure out for yourself. What do you really feel, deep down? Do a little self-discovery which should help. Think, who am I? And what your body tells you is what's true.

It's one of those things where you have to have some time to sit and reflect on yourself. Don't necessarily do it alone either! Gender therapists are very helpful and can give you resources in tips. My gender therapist helped me realize that I was indeed what I thought I was, and she's been a huge support. Search for therapists in your area and research them a bit. Don't be afraid to tell them generally why you're second-guessing yourself. They care for you and they'll help you realize if you're actually transgendered!!