X-Posted to GenderPeace: post (membership required).This was originally posted on an MTF board but cursory observation of my FTM friends, both online and off, show analogous categories (unlike prior dichotomies). Please forgive the pronouns.Most people say that the purpose of transition is to "express an internal identity" or to "relieve dysphoria". The self-identified "transkids" said they transitioned so they wouldn't have to be gay boys. I think that perhaps there is a scale along those two ideals. We may call the former position "Internal" and the latter "External".
The "Internal" side seems to be less likely to pass well and less likely to care (they are often activists). Assimilation is of little concern to them because they feel that their trans status exists independent of society and that society should accept them as-is. They tend to be more likely to be primarily attracted toward women.
The "External" side seems to only transition if they believe that assimilation is a very real possibility. They take whatever steps necessary to do this. The reason is that they do not want to be outcast as gay boys. They tend to be primarily attracted toward men.
This is not a strict dichotomy but rather a scale from one extreme to the other. Positions on this scale may be ranked 0 (Internal) through 6 (External) in the same way as Kinsey's sexual orientation scale.
What do you think of this model and where would you place yourself?
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