The body is just a means of conveyance through this three dimensional world.  The mind is where your self resides.  It takes precedence.  You can change the body without changing the self, you cannot do the same with the mind.  The narrative splits, leaving two different people if you do that.

And yes you do change over time, but you have a (relatively) persistent narrative.  That is why you still are the same person throughout.   It is also why the enormous change transition often brings can cause pretty severe cognitive dissonance until you figure out a way to reconcile your narrative.

Quote from: Jen on January 20, 2014, 03:43:57 PM
The body is just a means of conveyance through this three dimensional world.  The mind is where your self resides.  It takes precedence.  You can change the body without changing the self, you cannot do the same with the mind.  The narrative splits, leaving two different people if you do that.

And yes you do change over time, but you have a (relatively) persistent narrative.  That is why you still are the same person throughout.   It is also why the enormous change transition often brings can cause pretty severe cognitive dissonance until you figure out a way to reconcile your narrative.

*highfive*

I wouldn't go for it either because prior to the choice of how I wanted to solve the dysphoria ,I  am totally aware that being male is not who I am. I've always been female even though I've struggled with the delusion of trying to be male. I know the male realm is not my realm.

My answer may seem strange to many of you, but if it really is about resolving dysphoria, then I'd be happy with either procedure. If it's about more than just resolving the dysphoria, that tells me my decision would be based on something else entirely.

I think it would be amazing if I could flick a genetic switch and become as close to being female as is possible with a biologically male body. But equally, if, as is claimed in this thought experiment, gene therapy would allow me live happily as a male, then that's exactly what I would expect to happen -- me living happily as a male, nothing more nothing less. Of course, if these procedures did ever eventuate, I would have a serious look at what was involved before choosing which way to jump.

Quote from: JS on January 20, 2014, 07:49:43 PM
My answer may seem strange to many of you, but if it really is about resolving dysphoria, then I'd be happy with either procedure. If it's about more than just resolving the dysphoria, that tells me my decision would be based on something else entirely.

I think it would be amazing if I could flick a genetic switch and become as close to being female as is possible with a biologically male body. But equally, if, as is claimed in this thought experiment, gene therapy would allow me live happily as a male, then that's exactly what I would expect to happen -- me living happily as a male, nothing more nothing less. Of course, if these procedures did ever eventuate, I would have a serious look at what was involved before choosing which way to jump.

I just view it as a possible option . It seems reasonable  if you can use hormones to adjust mind and body why wouldn't there be a way to do the same thing just with the other mind body dilemma. You'd just need to choose what's best for you personally , You'd be dealing with the same dysphoria just the mirror image. The dysphoria would still be the same and need to be treated just which version.

I read that there is a gene in mice, that when "flipped" male mice start producing female level hormones.

And, on a side thought soon they can print a new body part with your DNA, that will not have rejection.

Quote from: emilyking on January 21, 2014, 06:32:18 AM
I read that there is a gene in mice, that when "flipped" male mice start producing female level hormones.

And, on a side thought soon they can print a new body part with your DNA, that will not have rejection.

beware of your clone

In response to the original question, I wouldn't do it. I can't even begin to imagine what it would feel like to be a woman. I've never been one. I went through short phases where I was slightly confused, and other phases where I tried to look and act "normal" in a failed attempt to feel better (since I had no idea transition was a possibility), but I was never remotely female. Being a man is so deeply ingrained in my sense of being that it would be the same as murder in my case.

To be fair, if I were in a situation where I would lose my partner if I transitioned, I have to say I would want that treatment since I don't think it would be possible for me to stay mentally stable and non-transitioning unless I were "cured." I'm 100% sure of this. Fortunately, that's not my situation.