[identity profile] thec-of-nv.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] trans

 

So I'm sitting here reading my Psych of Sex book and here is what it says: 

"a transsexual is a person whose gender identity is opposite his/her biological sex. Such people also feel trapped in a body of the "wrong" sex, a condition known as gender dysphoria."

It goes on to say: "The term 'transgendered is generally applied to individuals whose appearance and/or behaviors do not conform to traditional gender roles. In other words, transgendered people "to varying degrees 'transgress' cultural norms as to what a man or a woman 'should be' (name of source of quote)". These transgressions often involve cross-dressing, either occasionally or full time. (brief mention of transvestic fetishism) Transgendered people who cross-dress typically do so for psychosocial rather than sexual gratification." 

Ok, I really don't know how to feel right now. First off, I had thought of transgendered as more how the book defines transsexual: someone with gender dysphoria/gender identity issues. I was a little fuzzy on transsexual, but I had thought that was more along the lines of post op or someone who had some type of surgery or hormones or something else to change their body. 

Frankly I think I'm a little offended by their definition of transgendered, and pretty confused. What they're describing to me is genderqueer/genderfuck - that's how I identify. I don't consider myself transgender in the least as currently I have no desire to become male/masculine. Well, maybe I do. I do want to try a binder and a packer and see what happens - but not really on a regular basis. It is something I want to try. Maybe I do want it full time, but am afraid. Who knows, but anyway I am getting on a tangent. 

So, I think their paragraph on transgender was pretty offensive to transgendered people. They seemed to make it, I don't want to use the word trivial, but more minor of an issue than it is/should be. Why didn't they just say non-gender conformist? Or genderqueer? But I guess that's not really a scientifically accepted term yet, although in psychology you think they (researchers/people who come up with the names/terminology) would be sensitive to labels and people's identities. Yet again I am proven wrong. I definitely did not like how they seemed to equate or reduce transgenderism to cross-dressing, as I think they don't relate at all and are two totally different things. 

So, was I completely wrong in my definition of transsexual vs transgender? Is the book full of shit/offensive? 

I'm also thinking of contacting the professor, basically with a more professional version of this message to let him know that I think the book is crap on this topic. Should I? Or am I stepping into the realm of whiny bitch? I love the class and the prof; I was just a little disturbed by what I just read. 

 

 

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