Transsexual Issues

In the era of modern medicine, it’s become clear that if you want to change your physical gender, you can. Through many discussions about what gender is and what sexuality is, it’s become possible for a person to identify as one gender while their body might represent another. In order to create congruency in their body and in their mind, a person may choose to transition from one gender to another. As a transsexual, however, this powerful choice can come with additional issues to battle.

Gender Confusion

While the transsexual might have a simple time explaining their case to loved ones, others might not be as understanding. In fact, many loved ones may not be understanding. Learning to call someone another gender pronoun can be challenging, which might make a transsexual person feel less than accepted. In addition, when a transsexual needs to change their driver’s license, they might have troubles explaining to the clerk their new gender or how they want to be identified in their legal documents.

This doesn’t even begin to address the confusion with gender pronouns. Some choose to use the binary terms of ‘he’ and ‘she,’ while others might want to opt for ‘they’ or for ‘ve’ or ‘hir.’ A complete change of vocabulary might be in order as well as a physical change.

Medical Mysteries

The physical process of changing from one gender to another is not simple and it can be costly to the person that is trying to make the switch. There is a long process of physical steps, which need to be taken:

• Hormone therapy
• Breast reduction/enhancement
• Additional plastic surgery changes
• Genital reassignment

These steps are taken concurrently with mental counseling. A person needs to be ready for the challenges of a new gender, and they might be told to dress and identify as their new gender for up to a year before the actual surgery will take place.

The Future of TS Individuals

Those who are transsexual will find that their lives are never going to be uncomplicated, but that’s the price paid for making such a dramatic change. At the same time, when you’re so unhappy with your body and with they way you are perceived in the world, sometimes the idea of radical change is the best possible plan available. More doctors are able to perform these surgeries than ever, so the resources are available for those who want to change their body to match their mind. And since TS individuals are more accepted in some areas, this switch may not be as difficult as it once was.