Simply defined:
A transgender is a person who is somewhere between Male and Female or
visa versa.
Less Simply defined:
In a lot of cases it is all to do with the Chromosomes. M/s X and Mr Y
Chromosome.
We all have X (female) chromosomes in our bodies, and start our lives
as a female embryo.
In the case of the male the Y chromosome must then try to change the embryo from female to male,
or XX to XY. Some Y's do a better job than others, because of critical
genes such as called T.D.F. which forms male testes. If the Y chromosome doesn't have
enough of this gene, the testes are not formed properly and vital
hormones are not sent to the brain. These hormones are needed at
critical times in development to properly form the male identity.
As you can see the scope of transgenderism is as wide as the world is
big, some are just occasional crossdressers
and some are true transexuals, with an overwhelming need to be female.
But this has nothing to do with sexuality, in fact it has been shown
that 95% of all transgenders are heterosexual.
Where am I?
Hmmmm, I am in there somewhere, I just don't know where exactly!
In the brief time since I found the net, I have learned a lot about
myself, with the help and support of my wonderful friends
I am developing my female self, and learning to get out and socialise
without the usual fears.
I have also learned much about why I feel the way I do. It is something
you are born with, and is not a matter of choosing to be this way.
I think this is the most mis-understood aspect of transgenderism.
I had always denied the strength of this side of my nature, passing off
my crossdressing as a mere fetish. I see now that it is an expression
of my true nature. I used to thrill at crossdressing,
seeing it as the ultimate lie, creating the illusion of one gender from
the other.
Now I begin to wonder if it is not the ultimate truth, a truth I have
long denied.
I
do get
angry with the general medical community with their medical terms such
as "Gender Identity Disorder". What, in their humble opinion is
"order"? I realise they must have their terms, it is a condition which
in many cases must be treated, but I prefer to say a transgendered
person suffers from Gender Dysphoria.
Or there is also my favourite, G.E.M or "Gender Enhanced Male" *g*
Coping With Crossdressing
An article explaining the effects that Crossdressing and Transgenderism
can have on family and personal lives.
Susans Place
Susans Place transgender resources is run by Susan Larsen.
Dr Anne Lawrence
Dr Anne Lawrence is a transexual doctor with a wealth of information
about her own transition and all transgender issues, such as
counseling, and hormone replacement.
The Gender Centre
Located in Petersham, Sydney N.S.W. the Gender
Centre is a
TG/TS support and counselling service funded
the NSW state govt.
©
1997 Rene Sydney
