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Human sexuality topics

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Transgender persons & transsexuals:
Their beliefs on gender identity.
The cause(s) of their beliefs.
Are they just confused?
News about trans equality & civil rights.

The term "LGBT" is an acronym for "Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals,
transgender persons/transsexuals. Sometimes, additional letters
are added, like "Q" for Queer or questioning, "I" for Intersexual, etc.

An unidentified MTF transgender woman.
She was registered as male on her birth
certificate, and now identifies as female.

News alert:

The TV program "I Am Jazz" which stars Jazz Jennings, has been renewed for a fifth season by TLC. ₁₀ New shows began on 2019-JAN-01 and are seen on Tuesdays at 9 PM. ₁₀

Jazz is a male-to-female transgender (MTF) teen. She was identified as male as a newborn, but identified herself in a consistent, insistent, and persistent manner, as a female as a young child, when she described herself as having:

"... a boy's body and a girl's brain."

She plays herself in the program, along with members of her actual family. She has been an inspiration to countless transgender persons across the world, many of whom feel as she does but have difficulty accepting or sometimes understanding themselves as transsexual.

Her sexual orientation is pansexual. Wikipedia defines "pansexual" as:

"... the sexual, romantic or emotional attraction towards people regardless of their sex or gender identity. Pansexual people may refer to themselves as gender-blind, asserting that gender and sex are not determining factors in their romantic or sexual attraction to others." ₁₁

The program has consistently remained in the Top 50 original cable shows.

She confirmed the renewal news via her Twitter account on 2018-AUG-22. The new season will feature the gender confirmation "bottom" surgery that she had during 2018-JUN, her 18th birthday celebration on 2018-OCT-06, and other topics.

Those responsible for program probably made the decision in early 2018 to continue it, because they would have had to decide in advance whether to document her major surgery in June of that year. They might have delayed the announcement in order to gain publicity for the program.

The main difference between sexual orientation and gender identity:

That is:

A person's sexual orientation is defined by the gender of those persons to whom they are sexually attracted:

• Heterosexuals form about a 90% majority of the adult population and are attracted only to persons of the opposite sex.
  
  
• Homosexuals number about 5% and are attracted only persons of the same sex.
  
  
• Bisexuals also number about 5% and are attracted to both sexes, but not usually to the same degree. They are the only group that may be said to have a "sexual preference."
  
  
• Asexuals are rarer; they do not have strong feelings of sexual attraction towards any persons.
  
  
• Pansexuals (a.k.a. omnisexuals) are relatively rare and are attracted to persons regardless of their biological sex or gender identity.

A person's gender is typically identified in one of three ways:

1. In newborns by the external appearance of their bodies. To many conservatives, this is the only criterion that matters. This is the birth-identified gender or their "sex" recorded on their birth certificate.
   
   
2. According to the sex chromosomes in the person's DNA. This requires a medical test to determine. Typically:
   • Those with DNA that contains "Y" chromosomes, like XY or rarely XXY, etc. are biological males.
     
     
   • Those without a "Y" chromosome, like XX or rarely X0 are biological females.
     
     
3. According to structures in the brain which typically are of either a male or female size and neuron density. These appear to tell the individual what their gender identity is.

Quotation by Chaz Bono, a transgender activist and entertainer:

"There's a gender in your brain and a gender in your body.
For 99% of people, those things are in alignment.
For transgender people, they're mismatched.
That's all it is. It's not complicated; it's not a neurosis.
It's a mix-up. It's a birth defect, like a cleft palate."

About transgender persons and transsexuals:

Human beings generally identify themselves as one of two different genders: male or female.

Transgender adults are relatively rare; they constitute about 0.6% of adults. Their current gender identity -- that is, the gender that they currently identify as -- differs from their birth-identified gender. This difference can take many forms:

• A slight majority were identified as male at birth and now have a consistently female gender identity. That is, they now identify their gender as female.
  
  
• Slightly fewer were identified as female at birth and now have a consistently male gender identity.
  
  
• A few identify as having no gender; the term gender has no real meaning to them.
  
  
• A few identify as having an intermediate gender, with both male and female characteristics.
  
  
• A few alternate between male and female.

"Transgender" is an adjective. The word is properly used is with a noun, like "transgender person" or "transgender individual. Do not refer to a person as "a transgender." To be "transgendered" is now an obsolete expression.

On 2015-JUN-26, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized gay marriages throughout the United States with the exception of American Samoa. People living there are mostly American residents and not American citizens, and so rulings of the High Court do not necessarily apply there. Much of the focus of the LGBT community in the rest of the United States quickly switched to attaining equality for transgender persons and transsexuals. Much of the focus of conservative religious and other groups quickly switched to prevent such equality.

Note about terminology:

The term Gender Dysphoria (GD) describes the feelings of distress that many transgender persons experience as a result of the conflict between the sex that they were assigned at birth and their current gender identity. It can be very severe; about 41% of transgender persons attempt to commit suicide at least once during their lifetime. The term gender identity disorder (GID) is an earlier term for GD that is rarely used today and is rejected by most transgender persons.

"Trans" is a common abbreviation for "transgender." However, many people are unaware of this usage. Thus, "transgender" is a safer term to use.

The term "transgenderism" was once widely used to refer to transgender persons. It is still often used by religious conservatives and others opposed to persons being transgender. However, among the LGBT community, it has largely been replaced by "being transgender." During 2017-NOV, we tracked down all 104 references to "transgenderism" on this web site tracked down and modified them.

The "International Journal of Transgenderism," is a quarterly peer-reviewed academic journal covering research on gender dysphoria, the medical and psychological treatment of transgender individuals, social and legal acceptance of sex reassignment, and professional and public education on transgenderism. They still use the term "transgenderism" in their name.

The adjective "cisgender" refers to a person who is not transgender. However, its meaning is not known to many people, so "not-transgender person" is a often better term to use.

The abbreviation "cishet" refers to the vast majority of people who are cisgender (they identify their gender identity as the same as their birth-identified gender) and heterosexual (they are sexually attracted only to persons of the opposite gender.

Some information sources:

• The Quora web site had an interesting exchange of comments during 2017-FEB on the topic of: "Is "transgenderism" the correct word to use in regards to trans people?" See: https://www.quora.com/
  
  
• GLAAD has a glossary of transgender terms at: https://www.glaad.org/

More information on definitions.

Two annual observances:

The transgender community and its supporters observe the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) each year on NOV-20. It was founded during 1999 by Gwendolyn Ann Smith, who is herself transgender. By 2010, it was observed in over 185 cities in over 20 countries. ₁₂ Its purpose is to recall the transgender persons who have been killed because of their gender identity, or have committed suicide because of the prejudice of others.

The TransFamily Kingston group in Kingston, ON, Canada -- where this web site's office is located -- describes the TDOR as:

"... a time to memorialize those who have been killed as a result of anti-transgender violence, TDOR acts to bring attention to the continued violence endured by the transgender community."

In Canada, the Ontario Legislature unanimously voted in favor of passing a Trans Day of Remembrance Act, 2017 on December 12, 2017. It recognizes the TDoR and requires the Legislature to hold a moment of silence yearly on NOV-20. ₁₂

Two trans women who are asylum seekers in Sweden share their experiences, fears and hopes in a Queerstion.org podcast. ₁₃

The transgender community and their supporters also observe the International Transgender Day of Visibility each March 31. It was founded by Rachel Crandall in Michigan, USA. on 2009-MAR-31. She was motivated in part by the TDoR observance because she felt that it did not acknowledge and celebrate surviving member of the Trans community.

In Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mayor Naheed Nenshi proclaimed 2013-MAR-31 as the city's first "Trans Day of Visibility in Calgary." Mayor Stephen Mandel of Calgary, Alberta proclaimed MAR-31 to APR-06 as the city's first "Transgender Awareness Week."

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Topics covered in this section:

	A comparison of the three major current religious/secular conflicts: gender identity, abortion access, and sexual orientation: Introduction, abortion access, homosexuality and bisexuality, and transgender individuals, transsexuals, & gender identity
	More about transgender/transsexual terms. (It is a bit of a mind-stretching mine field)
	Conflicting beliefs about the cause and nature of being transgender or transsexual: A very brief, less than one minute, explanation A posting on "Crisis Magazine" A more complete analysis of the main beliefs A detailed discussion of the full range of beliefs described in 9 essays 2018: The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) no longer considers being transgender as a mental disorder
	Evangelical Christian anti-LGBT stance: The Nashville Statement of 2017 about homosexual and transgender persons. Two related essays on the Nashville Statement by Contributing Editor Susan Humphreys: Three foundational flaws in the Nashville Statement against the LGBT community What it means to be human: An analysis of the Nashville Statement
	Background information: More about transgender terms. Photographs, and videos of transgender persons and transsexuals  Stories of transgender individuals: Kat, a transgender youth. A family with 2 transgender parents. The future of the transgender/transsexual debate. Additional information about transgender persons, transsexuals, etc. Womb transplants for MTF transgender persons and infertile cisgender women
	Understanding the terminology associated with being transgender & transsexual: 2014-FEB: Facebook changed how members define their gender identity. Contrasting views of gender identity. How there can be dozens of gender identities based on only two genders
	More medical information about the possible cause(s) of being transgender:   Beliefs by conservative Christians, medical researchers, etc. about why transgender persons reject their birth-identified gender (2 parts) Fetal exposure to abnormal androgen levels? Genetically determined at conception?
	Causes of, and cures for, transsexual persons according to religious groups: Beliefs of conservative Protestant groups: Part 1  Part 2 Beliefs of individual Christians Terms and concepts used by evangelicals Teachings of the Roman Catholic church: Part 1  Part 2
	Bible passages which may impact transgender/transsexual topics
	Estimates of the number of transgender persons in the U.S.

	Transsexuals in history
	Were transgender people mentioned in the Bible?
	Transitioning from female to male or vice versa
	Transitioning success/failure rates
	How a lack of consensus about gender identity harms transgender individuals. Webmaster's rant
	Using medication to delay puberty in transgender pre-teens and teens
	Is being trans linked to homosexuality?
	Involuntary sexual reassignment of infants: Creating transgender persons via surgery
	Discrimination against transgender persons & transsexuals: Resolutions by the American Medical Association and American Psychological Association Homelessness Personal stories of success and difficulties transitioning Discrimination against transgender persons and transsexuals in the military: Part 1: 2011/2012: Overview. Support. Current military policies. Care for veterans. Part 2: 2016: Previous ends to discrimination by the military. Pentagon announces an end to discrimination against transgender members. Negative reactions. Part 3: 2016: More negative reactions to the ending of discrimination. Positive reactions. Part 4: 2016: President Trump's ban on transgender persons in the military Part 6: 2017: Impact of Trump's ban of military transgender members Part 7: 2017-JUL/AUG: Impact on Trump's Ban. Public opinion polls. Court cases. Cost calculations. Part 8: 2017-OCT to 2018-NOV: Two Court injunctions against Pres. Trump's Transgender ban. CNN celebrates Father's Day. Billboard battle in California. Part 9: 2018: Enlistees Apply. Pres. Trump Modifies his Transgender ban. Criticisms. CNN celebrates Father's Day. Billboard battle in California. Anti-Trump Light Show. Part 10: 2018-APR to NOV: Medical groups criticize the ban. CNN celebrates Father's Day. Billboard battle in California. Part 11: 2018-NOV to 2019-MAR: Anti-Trump Light Show. Trump loses at District Court level, asks to bypass Courts of Appeal and go directly to the U.S. Supreme Court. Courts activate ban. Ban goes into effect on 2019-APR-12. 2019-MAR: Federal LGBT Equality Act Ending employment discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender identity (The federal ENDA bill) Title IX religious exemptions, religious colleges, and discrimination against the LGBT community Studies and polls about transgender persons: Polls on protection in employment Studies of employment discrimination Reports by APA; homelessness National study of discrimination against the transgender community. Pew Research national general study and a Massachusetts state study on discrimination 2011 polls concerning public opinions on transgender persons Discrimination and lack of protection of transgender persons by US state governments Acceptance and rejection within religious denominations: 2009 & 2012: Consideration of transgender persons by the Episcopal Church, USA Political and religious conflicts over sexual orientation & gender identity. Are they resolvable? Anti-discrimination laws across the U.S. Laws in other countries that oppress or protect LGBT persons Discrimination against the LGBT community in Northern Ireland International declarations on the rights of LGBT persons
	Glossary of terms relating to transgender persons: Words beginning with A to S Words beginning from T to Z
	Conflicts over who should use which public washrooms: "Bathroom bills:" Who gets to use a women's public washrooms and who gets to use a men's room. Two conflicts involving public washrooms or dressing rooms: 2011: An incident at Macy's in TX. 2015: A student in Gloucester, VA. 2016: North Carolina city ordinance and state law (Eleven essays) 2017: Texas "bathroom bill SB 6 allowing religious freedom to discriminate:" Part 1  Part 2 2017: Vermont House introduces a gender-neutral washroom bill; private school conflict in California 2018: Kansas Republican Party has decided to oppose transgender identity
	Transgender information sources: Web sites. Reviews of two books selected as recommended books by this web site. Books for transsexuals, their families, and co-workers. Biographies, books on being transsexual, books for therapists, etc.
	NEWS & major transgender/transsexual developments 2008 until now: Note: Movement towards equal rights for transgender persons and transsexuals proceeded slowly until mid 2015. That was when religious, political, and social conservatives lost their fight against gay marriage in the U.S. Conservatives then switched their main focus to fighting against transgender equality. 2008 to 2014: News and information including events in 2014-FEB, when Facebook gave members 54 more options to describe their gender identity 2015-SEP: Students at Missouri high school hold demonstration to protest transgender student: Part 1  Part 2 2016-APR: The LGBT community takes new initiatives to overcome discrimination 2016: The LGBT community takes new initiatives to overcome discrimination Pastor warns God will allow attacks on U.S.; cites reaction to NC anti-LGBT law. Conflict between a Transgender teacher and a Catholic School board in Canada President Obama issues a proclamation for Mother's Day. International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT) Canada: Bill introduced in Parliament to protect transgender persons. Part 1  Part 2 Pope Francis condemns telling children that they can "choose their gender" Student Jesse Thompson files human-rights complaint against Ontario branch of Hockey Canada and wins Iowa couple accused of bigotry & hatred 2017: Comparing current discrimination against LGBTs and inter-racial couples in the past 2017-JAN: National Geographic's issue & documentary about gender identity, and transgender individuals: Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4   Part 5  Part 6  Part 7 2017-JAN: The Boy Scouts of America changed their policy and now allowed transgender boys to join 2017: President Trump reversed his earlier position about the transgender community. Part 1: British Medical Association (BMA) published a new pamphlet. Dove soap has new TV commercial. Part 2: Catholic hospital refuses to allow operation on a transsexual man. 2017-MAY: President Trump's federal "religious freedom to discriminate" executive order: Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5 2016-JUL to 2017-JUN: Transgender student Ash Whitaker in Wisconsin experiences problems at school 2017-JUN: Evangelical Christians vs. Child Protection Law in Ontario Canada 2017-JUN: Conservatives panic at new Canadian law to protect transgender individuals 2017-NOV: Danica Roem becomes the first openly transgender lawmaker elected in the Virginia House 2017-NOV: A Controversy at two Canadian universities about the use of gender-neutral, personal pronouns 2018: 2018-JAN-MAR: The Kansas Republican Party voted to oppose recognition of transgender identity. UK trans woman not welcome at church 2018-JUN to AUG: Scarlet Johansson to play role as a transgender woman. Miss Universe will have a transgender contestant. Trans women (D) run for VT Governor, and CO House, Court case in Anchorage, AK about transgender women in women's shelter, and changes to the Gender Recognition Act in the UK. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 2018-0CT: Trump Administration is planning to end recognition of all transgender persons in the U.S. Brief sent to U.S. Supreme Case over transgender case 2018-OCT-NOV: Trump Administration is planning to redefine U.S. transgender persons out of existence. LGBT victories in the mid-term elections. Virginia teacher suspended 2019: JAN/FEB: Court of Appeals rules in favor of President Trumps transgender ban MAR: Federal LGBT Equality Act

References used:

1. Joyce Bailey, "Trans 101," undated, at: https://jmcl.wordpress.com/
2. "Sexual orientation and gender identity definitions," Human Rights Campaign," 2017, at: http://www.hrc.org/
3. Jennifer Brown, "Elsa's Story: Family learns to let girl live as 'truegender'," Denver Post, 2015-JUL-17, at: http://extras.denverpost.com/
4. Joseph Woo, "Special FAQ on the gender of the fetus," Obstetric Ultrasound, undated, at: http://www.ob-ultrasound.net/
5. "MYTH #10: Intersex is extremely rare," Intersex Society of North America, 2008, at: http://www.isna.org/
6. Zachary Green, "Transforming History: Transgender issues today are rooted in a decades-long struggle for inclusion," RetroReport/New York Times, 2015-JUN-15, at: http://www.nytimes.com/
7. "My authentic life," Transgender Law Center, 2014-MAY-01, at: https://www.youtube.com/ The first video has been watched by about 120,000 viewers during its first year online at You Tube.
8. Tom Murray produced and directed a video concerning being trans. It is titled: "Almost Myself: Reflections on mending and transcending gender." See: http://www.almostmyself.com/
9. "Sex Chromosome Abnormalities," at: http://anthro.palomar.edu/
10. "I Am Jazz Season 5: Release Date Set for 2019 on TLC," Premier Date News, at: https://premieredate.news/
11. "Pansexuality," Wikipedia, as on 2018-AUG-11, at: https://en.wikipedia.org/
12. "Transgender Day of Remembrance," Wikipedia, as on 2018-OCT-04, at: https://en.wikipedia.org/
13. Queerstation Podcast: "Transgender Day of Remembrance," 2017. at: https://soundcloud.com/
14. TransFamily Kingston Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/

Copyright © 2007 to 2019 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Original posting: 2007-JUN-08
Latest revision: 2019-JAN-12
Author: B.A. Robinson

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