I have been a part of numerous threads here and in other places regarding just what exactly a transsexual is. There always seems to be several minds about this. Many people hate this word or label and refuse to acknowledge it. Instead they claim to be the gender opposite of what their body is. Others claim they merely have a birth defect that needs to be corrected. And still others wear the brand of transsexual as a badge of honor.
All three of these points of view have one thing in common. They are all held by people suffering from the same exact thing, although many will argue this is not the case. I personally fail to see this distinction. I am not stupid, I have been around for a while. I understand what it means when someone says "I am not transsexual, I am a woman/man. It's an acknowledgment of how they feel about themselves. Only problem is, if one is born with the body of a male, how does one know what a woman feels like? Or is one is born female, how do they know what a man feels like?
Indeed, when asked what defines a woman or a man, it's almost impossible to nail down, because any trait one might mention, can be attributed to both natal males and females. Other than our sexual organs, there is no definitive way to say who is what gender. For this reason, transsexuality itself is self diagnosed. No one can say with any degree of certainty, who is or who is not transsexual.
So? Why are some so offended by the word transsexual? Why do some refuse to acknowledge they were born with the wrong body? Why are some so adamant that they are women/men and not their birth gender with the wrong brain? To me, it's "a rose by any other name". Who cares what we call it? There is this condition where people feel the wrong gender. What should be call it?
There are people who think dogs are human. They talk to them and believe they understand. They feed them great, provide for them just as if it were a child. In fact, dog owners live longer than non dog owners. For many, the loss of a dog can be just as traumatic if not worse than the loss of a family member. But not everyone holds this belief.
Others look at the same animal and see just a stupid mutt. And if someone ran over one of your children, you could sue them for emotional pain and suffering and loss of consortium. But if someone runs over your dog, it's just property. You are entitled to recover only the cost of the dog. How is it that we can see the same animal so differently? Some seeing it as a priceless friend and valued family member, others as just a replaceable piece of property.
I am not looking to get into an argument here. I think everyone on this forum knows how I feel. I am looking to gain some insight. I want to know why this word transsexual is so offensive? I want to know what is gained personally, emotionally or any other way, by proclaiming one to be their target gender, rather than just accept what I consider the "truth" about our dilemma, that is being born with the wrong body? If I were to change my view and starting today, proclaim I am not a transsexual, I am a woman, what would I gain?
I already feel I am a woman, at least on the inside. I thought we all did. I thought that was what it means to be transsexual and the reason we are all here. If I say I am a woman with the wrong body, how am I different than a person that says they are a transsexual and are a woman with the wrong body? I really don't get this. I really don't understand the difference or what is gained.
I am looking for some answers. Because I don't want this to turn into a debate, I will not comment further, unless someone just wants to ask me something. Please just make your case and let's not get angry. I am interested in all points of view.
Love always,
Elizabeth
