[Controversial]There's a calling out that needs to be: Identity, medical issues, community

[danaelaurm]

There is a tendency among many trans people to label their transness as “strictly a medical issue”, usually as an excuse to insist that they do not identify as trans or that they do not consider being trans as something that can be part of an identity, period, for the less offensive version

Comments

[inever]

We have similar problems in the autistic community. I can relate.

[aredridel]

Indeed. Though it goes further for me. It's not a matter of medicine at all. I'm socially more comfortable having visibly transitioned and it's not about my brain chemistry at all. If anything, that's the part of me that's changed the least.

[aredridel]

Absolutely, and I suspect that's the point of this post.

[danaelaurm]

See, that's what I don't get... How does it cure anything. Even if, at some future point, once my hearing is gone far enough, I get implants, they won't make me any less deaf. It's just something in my body. :/

[snakey]

so I'll tell him that it was a medical condition that caused the doctors to guess wrong. I don't identify as intersex, but if it gets the job done in this case, I'll use whatever it takes

Appropriative much?

[sockren]

The transgender community certainly is full of many people with many identities and definitions. We are broad, diverse and vibrant. This issue is complex and I don't have a solidly formed opinion of my own to offer. I just have a few snippets and observations. I've read different points of view on this issue and can see value in both sides. However, in the end, I consider "transsexual" my personal/social identity, my community/resource, and my medical condition

[livelovewrite]

Man, can I relate to this post.

I would like to see transgenderism viewed as a viable and accepted choice. As opposed to a birth defect.

I mean, biology clearly plays a role in the construction of selves. But is there no autonomy in the matter? And why does it matter, anyway?

[danaelaurm]

I do feel trans people make a conscious choice to transition.