Cut for graphic content and potentially offensive subject. CONTROVERSIAL.

[jackcantdie.livejournal.com]

First of all, I want to begin by saying that by introducing this discussion, I am in no way or form encouraging the behavior discussed in this article (www.theatlantic.com/doc/200012/madness).  Also, I want to forewarn you that the article does have poor choice of words, refering to apotemnophilia (an attraction to the idea of being an amputee) & gender identity disorder as 'madness'.  But I found it very interesting that many medical experts seem to think that the two are related, both part of a person's identity.  However, the article does not reveal whether any of the people who admitted to having this was trans AND an apotemnophile.  This got me thinking though, if they are potentially related, how many could there be?

You might be wondering why I am mentioning this in here.  But I am trans and I also do desire the amputation of a perfectly healthy limb (due to arthritis which I guess, isn't so healthy after all).  However, I am 'in the closet' about it so to speak and NOT interested in doing it myself by means of an accident or destructive behavior which could have tragic outcomes.  This article briefly mentions that a doctor in the UK was performing voluntary amputations on his patients but forced to stop by the hospital where he is employed. But yeah, I do think about it... the more I think about it it, the less possible I think it is because we have a long way to go before we even address that issue.

That's all I wanted to share, and I just wanted to see if there was anyone else in the same boat who has either thought of the same thing (whether you acted on it or not) and even what your thoughts are on this subject, as a community.

Seeing as both viewpoints argue with the foundation of identity and how the desire is to achieve a sense of completeness.

Lastly, I want to ask that you be respectful in your answers or thoughts or opinions.

ETA: Thanks for all of your answers and I am constantly coming back to this post to see if there are any more, they are all so thought-provoking and interesting to read.  I want to apologize if the introduction of this article has offended anyone in any way.  But appreciate the insight and feedback that I have received from many of you.  Best of luck..