Quote from: Charlotte F on August 02, 2018, 03:08:50 PM
I don't know Alexa. What is good for you isn't necessarily good for many other people. Transitioning isn't a way for me to demonstrate my strength, it is a way for me to be at peace by living & presenting as my true self. When we are 'diagnosed' by a medical specialist, really it is nothing more than bureaucracy as the only person that knows if we are trans is us. Not only does this take a good 2-3 years if you have the misfortune of having to go through the NHS GICs but in a country where the government and the NHS have consistently neglected mental health for decades, what mental health professionals there are could be far better used on other things than confirming what someone already knows
The arguments of the red top newspapers and TERFs that self certification leads to all sorts of danger for cis women is complete nonsense. Other countries like Ireland, where self certification is allowed, haven't had a single incident in a female only space. I find it quite dangerous when we start to believe or pander to these people
The fact is that to obtain a GRC we currently have to jump through hoops and conform to whatever image of femininity and womanhood a random group of strangers on a panel decide is appropriate. If they don't think we are 'womanly' enough, we aren't getting a GRC - why should someone judge me on whether they think I've had enough surgery or taken enough hormones or am wearing a frilly enough dress?
We should also remember that no matter how stringent or difficult it is or how many gatekeepers we need to pass to legally change our gender, those who campaign against us will never be satisfied it is enough and will certainly never recognise its legitimacy
Hi Charlotte, Firstly I respect you have a different point of view on the GRC to Myself. It is good to be able to discuss these things, as they affect us alot tbh.
I will say the system should offer a fast track where appropriate if someone can demonstrate reasons why they qualify.
I also question whether the GRC panel are still expecting Trans Women to conform to Cis Gender Hetronormative presentation of their Female identity?
We are very lucky in this country with the NHS. Globally for Free Health care, for TG, we are one of the best. I am very grateful to be British.
I disagree that the only person who knows if we are Trans is us. I think if one is, it becomes pretty clear after a analysis of past and present, and goals for future, and the viewpoints of those around us. PLUS a medical professional.
I Feel its vital anyone who feels they are Trans does go to see a Psychiatrist to get a diagnosis and sees a Pyschologist fairly regularly before going head first into a transition. There are cases and situations where someones Gender Dysphoria is going to be best met by looking at other approaches than full on transition. Once someone is out of the Box so to speak ,its very hard for them to go back. Further, many TGs will have other issues going on, and Gender Transition will not solve them all. Its vital one is realistic about life, and learns to manage themselves as that is needed for what is a very tough undertaking.
Support groups can be echo chambers rather than reality checks.
To not make it too easy to change Gender, helps to make people think long and hard about what they are doing.
Lets be real, a lot of Gender Dsyphoric people are not fully aware of what exactly they are going to be dealing with in going from presenting as the opposite Gender from time to time, in a safe space, to being in the full blown public eye.
I bring up strength as it does take a lot of guts for one to be open and have a this is me attitude. This isn't to do with muscles, its to do with self acceptance and courage. Ive seen people on groups online talk a lot about how comfortable they are with their Gender yet find it hard to function in Hetro normative society. As not everyone will live in a liberal enclave this is important.
In regards to nations like Ireland. Theres been a case in Canada of some Male, identifying as Female, so to obtain cheaper car insurance. This makes me feel like society is taking the piss out of me.....Hence why I feel there needs to be checks on who can say they are Trans Female. You aint like Me, if you just want cheaper car insurance. You aint like me, if you feel like a girl some days as its a fun and a hoot on a night out......Openly stating trans Identity is HUGE. To say otherwise mocks us, and the pain of dsyphoria.
About Cis Women, and the Radical feminists. As Women, its vital we at least try to hear what they have to say. They are not really the enemy, nor are they of great social and political significance. If the Rad Fems, say anything thats a bit crazy, no one is really caring much outside of their echo chambers on social media. The public debate has been won by the progressives thankfully. I don't worry about a Cis Female attacking me for wearing make up and a dress. I do worry about Cis Men. I also feel Trans Women who dislike Cis Rad Fems have to remember it is still not right to use superior physical size to attack them. To do such only validates hetro men doing that to Us.
We should also remember Emily Pankhurst was probably seen as a bit radical in her day, so not all Rads are bad.
As a Husband to a Cis Wife who is the centre of my world, I would not feel okay with just anyone being able to download a form online, and then state they identify as Female, and as such access Female only spaces. There HAS to be a process. You can't just expect to be given the status of Female. Many Cis Women, will be unhappy yet not speak out. I disagree with your statement that its utter nonsense to say Cis Women have reason to feel threatened by a free for all on GRC. Quite the opposite.....
Its not fair on Cis women. We should acknowledge as Trans women we have to take on board the feelings of Cis women, and find some middle ground. We ARE different. There can be some solidarity, yet we have to respect some Cis women, will find it very difficult, that Barry who was a musclebound cad, now identifies as Alexa, after 36 years of a Male role, and 4 kids.
The best we can all do is set a good example and be nice people. I notice when I do little things like hold doors open and show myself to be pleasant , society is pretty good to me, despite my appearance.
I LOVE Cis Women, and overall feel inspired by many to be a better less selfish trans woman.
I expect many will not like what I said here, however given I can already change my name, and the law gives me recognition as Trans if I follow a process, is the UK not better than say 195 out of 215 other nations?..........Given on top of this, our great economy, decent schools, police force, etc, I would rather live here than pretty much anywhere else.
Try being Trans in Russia, or Nigeria, or China or North Korea, or the Caribbean, etc etc.
Lexa xx
