transition
tranˈzɪʃ(ə)n,trɑːn-,-ˈsɪʃ-
noun
1.
the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.
Everything in the universe changes, in a period of 5 years 99.99% of all your atoms will be replaced, life for both all living and non living entities is a endless series of transitions through various states, even death is a transition as you are transitioning back into nature as your body decomposes.
So with that in mind, why is it that transition is the term that defines us the most, when everything and everyone is always transitioning from one thing to another.
Isn't there a better way to describe us that is more accurate?
Disclaimer: I'm not suggesting that trans should be replaced or is invalid, this thought just came to me and I figure it could be a basis for a interesting discussion...
Also another point as to why transition seems a bit off if using the original definition: In general I wouldn't describe what Im going through as a change in state as much as a change in what others perceive my state to be. Its really more a time of letting go the restrictions others place on me that I previously accepted. Feels way more like liberation that transition, but I cant think of a word that describes a period of time during which restrictions are being rejected.
IMO, transition involves social transition (changing the way we live to better match who we know we are) and physical transition (changing our bodies to better match who we are).
I personally consider transition in this context to be a transition "from someone who has dysphoria to someone who doesn't" - this makes it personal to the person transitioning, and not about others' perceptions or expectations. It also doesn't assume the crossing of any particular perceived "gender boundary" either (many definitions of transgender imply crossing a gender-binary border, and that simply doesn't apply to some transitioning people).
I understand why transition is the term that's used, but I prefer to think of myself as coming into alignment. My soul and my brain are male, and my body - the part of me that should reflect but not define who I am - is simply being made to come into alignment with that reality. Transition seems to imply that we start as one thing and become another. It just doesn't feel as descriptive to me as it could be, but I wouldn't say it bothers me too much.
When it comes to my personal opinion, transitioning from m-f starts once hormone replacement therapy has commenced. Thats when your body truly starts to transition itself.