Transgenderism, transsexualism, & gender identity

Introduction (cont'd): Response,
Terminology, Catch 22, Symbol

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This is the continuation of a previous essay

How to respond:

Since a transsexual's mind cannot be changed to harmonize with their genetic gender, the only successful treatment is the gender reassignment process. The full process involves:

	Extensive evaluation and counseling, typically by two psychologists or psychiatrists.
	The "Real Life Test" (RLT): Living as a person of their perceived gender for a year or more.
	Taking hormones.
	Perhaps undergoing sex reassignment surgery. This final step is generally restricted to adults.

The American Psychiatric Association considers such a mismatch between gender perception and genetic gender to be a disorder, not a disease or mental illness.

The distress caused by gender dysphoria can be overwhelming; it leads to an unusually high suicide rate. Some suggest that about half of all transsexuals die by the age of 30, usually by their own hand." ₁ This may have been true in the past. However, with advances in sex reassignment surgery (SRA) and growing public acceptance of transsexuals, this number is probably significantly lower today, and still in decline.

The essays in this section will deal mainly with conflicts between genetic gender and gender identity, as well as the protection of transsexual people from discrimination.

About terminology:

The topics of gender identity, transsexual and transgender are a bit of a minefield. There are many conflicting definitions for each of these terms:

	Some define a transgendered person as one who experiences gender dysphoria but has not undergone sex reassignment surgery. Others define transgender very broadly to include everyone who doesn't fit into conventional gender norms: Included are: transsexuals, cross dressers, drag queens, etc.
	Some transsexuals are proud to be referred to as transsexuals. Some transsexuals are offended by the term and wish to be called simply "he" or "him"/ "she" or "her" according to their perceived gender identity.
	Some transgendered persons object to use of the word "disorder" in "gender identity disorder (GID)." Others accept the term.

We will try to use commonly used definitions. However, not everyone will agree with them.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders will be updated in 2012. Some in the transgender community are urging that GID be removed from the book just as homosexuality was deleted in 1973.

We have assembled a glossary of terms related to transsexuality.

Catch-22

Transsexuals are frequently caught in a multiple Catch 22 situation:

	Their employment is often terminated when they transition from male to female or vice versa. They often experience difficulties in obtaining re-employment.
	Not having an income, many become homeless. Some enter the sex trade in order to survive.
	The vast majority of private health insurance plans do not cover sex reassignment surgery (SRS). Neither do Medicare and most Medicaid programs.
	Without SRS, they are often refused access to homeless shelters.

Some support groups for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transsexuals are now actively advocating for equal protection for persons of all gender identities. However, many social and religious conservatives are strenuously resisting this change.

The Transgender symbol:

Nancy R. Nangeroni of Nangeroni Design created this symbol and has made it generally available to the transgendered community, for everyone's use. It combines the international symbols for make and female with a third symbol representing transgender. She writes:

"The circle is a symbol of wholeness, and represents the wholeness of a society which includes the transgender. The misdirection of a society that ridicules the transgender is implied."

The symbol is used by both transgendered persons and those friends and supporters who support sexual equality. ₂

References used:

The following information sources were used to prepare and update the above essay. The hyperlinks are not necessarily still active today.

1. Nancy R. Nangeroni, "About the TG Symbol," GenderTalk, at: http://www.gendertalk.com/
2. As cited in "Straight Answers: The Morality of 'Sex Change' Operations," The Catholic Herald, 2005-OCT-19, at: http://www.catholicherald.com/

Copyright © 2007 to 2009 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Original posting: 2007-JUN-08
Latest update: 2009-JAN-13
Author: B.A. Robinson

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