There seem to be a lot more people openly identifying as trans* compared to when I tried to transition the first time.

Susan's is only a small slice of the overall world's transgendered population but even so, judging by the number of people who have signed up to this forum - identifying as, or at least questioning whether they are, trans* - there are more and more people who might ultimately go on to transition and bring trans* reality to the awareness of family, friends, co-workers, health professionals, etc.

There was a post elsewhere about "being the only transgender in the office" but I wonder if and when that might change and when there will be more than just one "out" person in the office (or family, or school, or church or wherever) who is known to be trans*. And if so, what is the tipping point, the critical mass when general public attitudes start to shift and change?

Could it happen in the next few years, or will it take much longer? How might it change?

I think it has always been the case, but people were wary of earlier procedures and social stigmas. Now that we are no longer "mentally ill", somewhat accepted and surgical procedures are better and safer I think we will see a "nuclear" event VERY soon. Another thing it reminds me of is a dance. Even though everyone wants to, no one does until a few get on the floor and then everyone else joins in. My opinion of course.

Quote from: Ms Grace on December 31, 2013, 07:25:12 PM
There seem to be a lot more people openly identifying as trans* compared to when I tried to transition the first time.

Susan's is only a small slice of the overall world's transgendered population but even so, judging by the number of people who have signed up to this forum - identifying as, or at least questioning whether they are, trans* - there are more and more people who might ultimately go on to transition and bring trans* reality to the awareness of family, friends, co-workers, health professionals, etc.

There was a post elsewhere about "being the only transgender in the office" but I wonder if and when that might change and when there will be more than just one "out" person in the office (or family, or school, or church or wherever) who is known to be trans*. And if so, what is the tipping point, the critical mass when general public attitudes start to shift and change?

Could it happen in the next few years, or will it take much longer? How might it change?

Do you know of a forum as active as Susan's?

Can't say that I do, but I was thinking Susan's was a "small slice" of the overal trans* population more from the thought that there are probably a lot more people in the world who might be trans* or trans* questioning who, for whatever reason, aren't on this forum (or any forum for that matter). 

As a former Paramedic dealing with the public stats indicate about 4 for every 1 on here. A lot of people don't even know what their issue is called, just a feeling they may have had for a long time, but the public's opinion won't let them consider it.

According to this fact sheet from transgenderlaw.org...

QuoteAn estimated 2 to 5% of the population is transgender (i.e., experience some degree of gender dysphoria)...Recent statistics from the Netherlands indicate that about 1 in 12,000 natal males undergo sex-reassignment and about 1 in 34,000 natal females.

But you know what they say about statistics, right?

All the same, even at 2% of the population being transgender, that's a lot of people! Obviously not all those people get genital corrective surgery, many won't even transition to their identified gender let alone start HRT or even seek to talk about it. But 2%-5% of the population with, say, 10% of those transitioning at the very least, means there's potentially a lot of people going through transition (and a lot of other people possibly feeling quite miserable about their gender).

Quote from: Jessica Merriman on December 31, 2013, 08:46:51 PM
A lot of people don't even know what their issue is called, just a feeling they may have had for a long time, but the public's opinion won't let them consider it.

Yes, I think you're spot on here. The cis public's attitude around trans gender elicits a lot of shame and ridicule and secrecy, and it works against people who are transgendered. But if there is a higher profile around the issue now than say 20 years ago, where will that profile might be in another 20? Will it result in more and more people seeking transition and/or will it change gender perceptions.

Back 25 years ago, it was a M2F nurse at the hospital I worked at that "triggered" me. I know that  during my first transition I "triggered" someone who went on to transition. No doubt for many people on this forum it was the experience of others who acted as a catalyst for their own questioning and/or transition. So does more people transitioning mean a greater percentage of that 2-5% will explore their gender expression? More and more? Will it make a difference to gender attitudes, improve the rights of trans* people, etc?

Sorry, just thinking out "aloud"... 

Quote from: Ms Grace on January 01, 2014, 02:26:06 AM
According to this fact sheet from transgenderlaw.org...
Will it result in more and more people seeking transition and/or will it change gender perceptions.

I think we will see an explosion of both very soon. It's like the dance metaphor, the more that do it, the more will join in. I don't think even we know the full extent of those with Dysphoria. I imagine it is higher than either one of think it is. When it looses it's stigma and shame, well, Katy bar the door.

I do know that referrals in Australia have gone through the roof.

If it is like you described it there to me, uh, Yeah! Here I feel like I am under a homophobic totalitarian and oppressive system. Wait a minute, I am!

Quote from: Jessica Merriman on January 01, 2014, 02:42:06 AM
If it is like you described it there to me, uh, Yeah! Here I feel like I am under a homophobic totalitarian and oppressive system. Wait a minute, I am!

Ahh yea!

Funny, my Dr mentioned to me that it was far more common than people realised or I thought as she sees many people who are trying to cope with GD. She made me feel at ease with it and not feeling like a freak when opening up to her.
She is a wonderful doc and person to have on my side.
Sometime I feel like just giving her a huge hug for being so supportive.

Jen

WOW! Just think, someday WE could be the new Normal!  Bet I just scared a bunch of people who might have read that.

Reminds me when my GP congratulated me for getting BP and depression under control. I told I could help any of his male patients and he asked how?

Castrate them.

He didn't think it would be popular for some reason!

Quote from: Cindy on January 01, 2014, 03:04:20 AM
Reminds me when my GP congratulated me for getting BP and depression under control. I told I could help any of his male patients and he asked how?

Castrate them.

He didn't think it would be popular for some reason!

LMAO! How could a medical professional not adequately treat his patients. What is up with that. Does he cut it as a GP?

How would they know if they didn't try?

Worth a go?

Quote from: Cindy on January 01, 2014, 03:04:20 AM
Reminds me when my GP congratulated me for getting BP and depression under control. I told I could help any of his male patients and he asked how?

Castrate them.

He didn't think it would be popular for some reason!

Gee, I wonder why, LOL

Quote from: Jenny07 on January 01, 2014, 03:08:39 AM
How would they know if they didn't try?

Worth a go?

He could try a half off sale!

I think it was the next visit he asked me about surgery and whether guys could tell the difference between a neo-vaj or a natural one.

When I told him guys don't care as long as they get their rocks off he went bright red.

BTW he is great!

I think our fearless birthday girl Mod has taken this topic below the belt, shouldn't we get back on topic?

What was it again?

Skydiving?