Is there any basis for simularity between gender and racial dysphoria

[stephaniec]

I was just curious after reading an article about Rachel Dolezal the woman who believed she is African American. Do you think there is any sort of biological or mental similarity between some one who truly believes they are a different race from what they were born as and gender dysphoria or are these issue totally different. (disclaimer: not an attempt to cause strife, just a curious inquiry .)

[suzifrommd]

We are definitely wired to identify with a certain gender. That's pretty much accepted science, nowadays.

No one has found the slightest evidence that we are wired to identify with a certain race. I don't want to dismiss the idea altogether, but I'm not certainly not ready to conflate race with gender.

As far as Dolezal, and believing that she is African American, consider this:

Supposed I moved down to Mexico. I'd be an American living in Mexico. But suppose I learned Spanish really well, and started participating in all aspects of the Mexican community where I lived. I obeyed Mexican customs and I gave up my American citizenship to be a Mexican.

I'd BE Mexican, right?

The same way someone who comes to America and becomes a citizen is every bit as much an American as someone who was born here.

So I don't see why Dolezal couldn't "become" African American if she wanted to.

[BenKenobi]

I think there's a difference between dual citizenship and race. If she wants dual citizenship then she can live in africa as an american. Also you don't need to be black to be african american.

[Zoetrope]

Hot topic and I was wondering when it would pop up here.

I look at is this way. Gender is socio-psychological, and *not* tied to biology. This is why transgender people exist.

Race *is* tied to biology, and cannot be changed. I don't believe in 'trans-racialism' at all.

[Ms Grace]

Sorry folks, since "trans-racial" is one of the usual lines of attack from people who wish to ridicule trans gender people it's discussion isn't allowed on the forum, civil or otherwise.

[Cindy]

Keep it locked. It will just lead to strife.