Historical Bias towards Hetrosexuality in Helping TGs

[Alexa Ares]

Ive been moving forward with my Transition In both a physical and social role sense. Ive noticed in terms of how Psychologists see Gender Dsyphoria there has been a shift from a narrow viewpoint of that one who identifies as Trans Female, must wish to be very feminine in their presentation, to a more realistic view that Transwomen like Cis will vary in terms of how Feminine they feel they are, as femininity is partly a constructed set of behaviours and partly some genetic personality traits that appear to be far more prevalent in Androphillic people (Male or Female).

Im interested to hear the experiences of people, who Transitioned 25 years ago. Im aware that with My Cisfemale wife, shaved head, and moderate muscle development, I would back then be unlikely to have been approved for treatment of any kind.

The conclusion I draw from all this is that there was some degree of Homophobia amongst therapists who deal with Trans and parts of the MTF community itself....As if being a Gay Woman isn't Woman enough...thankfully times seem more enlightened now..

Thoughts?

[Devlyn]

The history of transgender treatment is well documented, there was an early bias towards binary gender norms. Attributing it to homophobia falls squarely in the WAG camp, though.

The important thing is that medical care has progressed past that. I happily, easily, and quickly navigated hormones, letters, and  surgery as a non-binary person.

Hugs, Devlyn

[pamelatransuk]

In the UK and possibly elsewhere the incorrect thinking up to around 1999 were that gender was  closely connected to sexuality and that a potential transwoman had to be a homosexual man resulting in many transwomen lying to the psychologist.

Nowadays gender and sexuality are seen as separate issues and a transwoman may have started as a hetero or gay or bi or asexual man.

Pamela

[Dena]

I know that when I transitioned about 39 years ago, it would have been possible to transition in the United State with the restriction that you define. Some programs might not have accepted you but my group was open enough to differences that most likely you could have received the letters you needed. The problem is when you use insurance or public funding, you have to dance to the tune of the insurance company or government officials and while the medical personal may be open to new ideas, often the ones who control the purse strings may not be as open minded.

The current standards of treatment are only suggestions. Treatment standards might be more restrictive or more open depending on the people involved in your treatment.

[Devlyn]

I know that when I transitioned about 39 years ago, it would have been possible to transition in the United State with the restriction that you define. Some programs might not have accepted you but my group was open enough to differences that most likely you could have received the letters you needed. The problem is when you use insurance or public funding, you have to dance to the tune of the insurance company or government officials and while the medical personal may be open to new ideas, often the ones who control the purse strings may not be as open minded.

The current standards of treatment are only suggestions. Treatment standards might be more restrictive or more open depending on the people involved in your treatment.

I would add that the treatment will vary based on you more than your providers.