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Degrees of Trans

Anyone who knows me knows of my abhorrence toward labels.  Equally repugnant to me is the concept of "degrees" of trans.  There is a difference between the CD and the TS of course but that difference is focus.  For instance the CD is focused on emulation where the TS is focused on transition.  It is transition that really creates the problems of community discrimination.  No one disputes the differences between the CD and the TS and both recognize and respect those positions.  The problems arise within the TS community and argument over who is more transsexual.  This may be an oversimplification but none the less an accurate observance.

It seems that some cant understand that not all transsexuals will, or want to fully transition.  There is actually a sizeable portion of the TS community who prefer partial transition through HRT and/or living 24/7 with RLE.  Others opt to make no changes whatever.  The question is: Are they truly transsexual?

It is anything but for me or anyone else to cast judgment on the feelings of another person.  However, WPATH do recognize these as legitimate diagnoses for transsexualism as long as the dysphoria is present.  It is and would be intrinsically wrong for me or anyone else to cast judgment. 

Because someone opts to not transition even though they identify as transsexual does not mean they are somehow less.  It means that they have very solid reason for their very painful decision and it is painful because they need to transition the same as the rest.  Their life circumstances are different and preventing that from happening at the moment.  Maybe a year, or two, or ten will make a difference, but for the moment in time, it is not a possibility.  I fail to see how this somehow minimalizes them or dismisses them as irrelevant within the boundaries of the transsexual community.

Equally contentious is the "shemale".  This person has opted for partial transition without full SRS.  This could entail any number of procedures or modifications but the essential sexual identification (organs) remain intact.  She will frequently live 24/7 as female and be under the radar.  Is she less of a female?  Not in my opinion.  Her aversion to surgery could be from any number of sources ranging from fear to medical problems preventing SRS.  Her life can be the same as anyone else's and be fulfilled.

Does the girl who puts full transition on hold qualify to be less?  Her reasons are personal and often circumstantial.  It is unfair to brand her because of the circumstance of life.

Then there is the androgyne who likely identifies as TS but prefers to present as neither gender.  Her reasons can be as varied as anyone's.  It could be a social statement or a preference for her life.  She too may decide to move forward at a later date.

The one commonality is that if SRS is not being pursued there is valid reason for it and that reasoning should not be questioned any more than the individual's gender identification.  She or he has stated what they are and who is to question that?

Certainly not me.  In my opinion, those who do could very well be expressing their own self  doubts.  That is their prerogative but not their right to become accusatory toward others.

Kimberley  July 2008