Depathologisation of transsexual people and being non-binary

[andrajames.livejournal.com]

There have been some recent developments concerning the depathologisation of trans people which frankly worry me. I do agree that GID is a bad diagnosis for transsexual people, our genders are not disordered. Many of us do need hormonal and surgical treatments and felt dysphoric and unhappy with our bodies and THAT was a condition, but our genders per se aren't. The diagnoses for other transgender people are problematic too, 'crossdressing' should not be pathologised.

However I have seen people recently wishing to remove GID from the DSM/ICD entirely and not suggesting that it is replaced by something else. There is a suggestion that we should be able to change our legal genders without having already gone through hormonal and/or surgical treatments. This would then allow HRT and corrective surgery to be mandated purely on physical grounds.

This isn't the only problem with this but is what I want to talk about here:
This presents a problem for non-binary people. In pretty much every country throughout the world the choices of legal gender are male or female. A neutrois person (for example) cannot be legally recognised as neutrois, nor can any other non-binary people have their genders recognised. So where would this model leave an MTN? They could either stay legally male and therefore have no access to treatment or become legally female which would open up a treatment path, however this treatment path wouldn't be ideal for a person who wants minimal hormones and genital nullification.

The current availability of surgery for such people is still very poor (but slowly improving), however in some cases it can be made available via a GID or GID:NOS diagnosis under the radar. If GID is removed from the DSM/ICD then non-binary people will not be able to do this. Binary trans people would have their surgeries mandated by their doctor and the whole 'gender identity treatment' system wouldn't exist. This would leave non-binary people unable to access anything.

( This gives me the fear )

More Pandering?

[the5ws.livejournal.com]

 I really want to believe that he's going to do everything he says he will, but its hard to swallow. Hope this isn't too OT. 

[Controversial, UK] - Rogue Cis LGB Activist Fighting Against Trans People on Our Behalf

[auntysarah.livejournal.com]

This is the text of an open letter, which is currently doing the rounds:
( Cut for length )

I fully endorse the contents of this letter, being one of the trans people silenced by Dennis Hambridge on this issue. I have written more about the background to this on my own LJ. rozk has more details on dealings with Mr Hambridge in her LJ, here.

Scared/New/Unsure

[oh-hi-adrian.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'm FtM trans and I've not yet come out to anyone. I've hinted to a few people about whats going on, but I haven't flat out told anyone that I'm a guy and I want to transition. So basically, I'm scared out of my mind as to what its going to entail, the friends and family I'm going to lose, etc.

I've bound quite a bit before, but its real hard cause quite frankly, I've got a big chest, not real sure what kind of binder to get to accommodate that. Not real sure about anything.
Not sure what transitioning is going to entail entirely.
I mean, I know basics, but I need to know more.
From people who actually know what its like.
And MtF opinions and advice is welcome too.

Another main concern is voice. I have a very feminine voice and I'm also in a band and I'm afraid that even if I do manage to develop a decent masculine voice, that I won't be able to sing with it.

Any advice/support/or anything would be absolutely fantastic.
Basically, I'm just scared and confused, and completely freaked.


Thanks.

--Adrian

Looking for support!

[vamherst.livejournal.com]

Hello!  I'm MtF, just kinda beginning to accept myself and do something about it.  I was just wondering if there was anybody who wouldn't mind getting to know me a little and helping me out while I sort everything out.  I've been looking for an online transgender community for a while now with no luck, and I can't seem to find anybody I can really talk to about it who's actually had any experience or anything.  It would be greatly appreciated to meet someone who would just be a friend!  Thanks!
~Naomi