I considered the possibility that my gender dysphoria was purely social, so I moved to two different countries twice, but I am still transgender.
Much like Carrie Liz, my dysphoria was as much physical, as it was social. I briefly considered physical transition without social transition, because the latter was so much more terrifying.
I completely agree with Abysha, in that I did consider everything the Cummings have said, and ruled them out for a myriad reasons. If their message was that being genderqueer or fluid is a worthwhile alternative to full transition, they wouldn't be drawing as much flack.
I understand why they're saying what they're saying, but they're ignoring an overwhelming body of scientific evidence that shows gender dysphoria is far more complicated and nuanced that their own experiences.
I belief they're seeking to validate their choices by invalidating the experiences of others who have transitioned successfully.
Lastly, the problem with calling gender dysphoria a "psychological" issue, is that the public's understanding of that term is loaded with negative associations, that have nothing to do with its clinical definition. When Joe Public hears "psychological condition", all he really hears is "psycho", which doesn't help a community that has already suffered immense discrimination and social violence.
An important ethical consideration in the field of psychology, is how controversial findings are presented or worded due to possible social repercussions. This is because psychologists are well aware of their field's less-than-stellar history of ethics, and this is a conscious effort to remember those mistakes so that they aren't repeated.
This is why "gender identity disorder" is now known as "gender dysphoria".
I majored in psychology, which I realize isn't a M(A) or PhD, but I do speak with some academic experience.
