Just an FYI it's not a delusion in anyway. If they are born male or female they are FULLY aware they are born male or female. They are fully aware they have a penis or a vagina. None of them are delusional and see a vagina where there is a penis and vice versa. They don't have any false beliefs. Besides people judging them the fact that they understand they have a penis or vigina is actually the second thing that causes them the most stress. It's their ability to know that reality that makes things so hard for them. Sounds weird but if they were delusional it would probably be an easier life because what you told them and what people thought wouldn't matter nor what they say in the mirror would matter. Another way to put it if you were delusional and thought you were a stormtrooper or a jedi (like me
) that's simply what you would be if I asked you. You would have no concept or understanding of anything else because you are delusional, this is not the case on any level for transgenders.
Ok. Delusion is probably not the right word, but I'm not a shrinkologist.
CC has convinced me it is a real thing. That is, real in the sense that they really believe they're supposed to be of the other gender, and it is not something they can easily ignore or just "snap out of".
But, let's say for the sake of argument I was entirely convinced that I was supposed to only have one arm. Obviously I have two. Let's say I know that, but I feel a disconnect with my body that disturbs me a great deal. I have severe issues with it and feel a disconnect with my unwanted arm.
If I'm not mistaken that's an actual mental illness, though I can't recall the name for it.
Amputating that arm is not, tmk, considered a good or mainstream way of treating that mental condition. Pretty sure the standard treatment is trying to get the person to not feel that way about their unwanted limb.
That's sort of how I feel about gender reassignment surgery. I think it is a drastic, physical solution to a mental issue that would be handled differently if it weren't such a political issue in society. I've seen studies indicating that most reassigned transgenders continue having problems afterward.
Doesn't seem like a good idea, to me.
Now, I'm just me, and that's just my opinion. I'm not trying to make my opinion law, or stop anyone from doing what they (and their therapist) think is best for them.
Renae says she is happy with her transition. Ok. My response was that I don't claim to understand all this stuff, but I wish you well and hope things work out for you.
No hate, see? I'm hoping everyone takes note of that: no hate involved, mmkay?
But I can't *personally* see someone who has transitioned as their reassigned gender, not in my heart of hearts. I'm sorry but that's just how I see it.
I'm guessing this viewpoint would not be too conducive to maintaining a close friendship. Now I
could shut up about it... once I've spoke my piece I don't have to keep on hammering on it, its like "Ok you know where I stand, we don't have to keep talking about it.... so, where are we going to lunch today?"
I don't claim to fully understand it all, and I'm not trying to tell anybody else what to do. Just 'splaining why I'm uncomfortable with it all and glad it isn't something I'm dealing with at this point.
