The Composition and Demographics of the Growing Trans Population

[Justhadathought]

It seems that every week ( even as reported in just my local tabloid newspaper) the 'transitioning' population increases, and the Transgender Umbrella ( as determined by Stonewall) provides shelter for a very wide range of demographic of people.

Yet it seems to me ( would be interesting to see statistics) that apart from young women ( mainly lesbians) transitioning to male...the largest and most rapidly accelerating group is that of older 'cross dressing' males. Most often heterosexual or married, and quite often having been in, or performed, an archetypal macho or traditionally masculine role or occupation ( been in the military etc).

This is not only as evidenced by the growing number of reports in my local newspaper, but from my own observations on the street and around town: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/transgender-woman-agreed-cannabis-plot-17604909

Old Crone and Dockie

I'll reply in one as the posts are linked

Firstly I think Dockie you make a lot of sense in your post. Sexuality can be a significant driver in your identity. My only counter would be that for the persistent dysphoria sufferer the development of sexual organs and their associated physiological responses can lead to an increase in the discomfort. At times to the point of self harm.

I am broadly in agreement with the GC position that doesn't want to lower the age at which surgery can take place. I do not believe a an immature anatomy is suited to the best outcomes. However, I am always surprised at the amount of people who believe we lose all sexual sensation and function. I wouldn't be daft enough to think what I experience is the same as a genetic woman (apart from him rolling over and falling to sleep afterwards) but it is certainly not devoid of a wonderful sensation. I expect some do but I have no real idea of the prevalence of that but it certainly isn't universal.

As for help being limited to the psychological help until adulthood I don't subscribe to that view, it leaves me with a feeling that it's something to be ashamed of. Again though I do feel surgery should not be performed until maturation of the donor site is complete.

I am always surprised at the amount of people who believe we lose all sexual sensation and function.

If you didn't have puberty blockers early in puberty followed by cross sex hormones (so never going through puberty), you're not really qualified to comment on the experience of people who did.

rogdmum

I agree, I can not begin to understand that rise really. I hope it's not a reflection on how they see the role of women in the world. I thought humans in our part of the world were turning a corner in that respect.

I suppose the only way is to explore it with them, ask, listen and offer an open mind.

You're right in your assertion with regards to me. I am of a few opinions but you won't catch me making any demands, I've no requirement for validation and feel I have enough rights as things stand. Good luck going forward whatever happens they're your child and seeing them unhappy must be heart breaking.

As for help being limited to the psychological help until adulthood I don't subscribe to that view, it leaves me with a feeling that it's something to be ashamed of.

What on earth has being ashamed got to do with preventing children from having irreversible treatment before they are fully able to understand all the consequences of that treatment?

Again though I do feel surgery should not be performed until maturation of the donor site is complete.

Puberty blockers early in puberty followed by cross sex hormones = no puberty = no maturation of the sexual organs.

So do you now agree that giving children puberty blockers is unethical?

You're right, but I was commenting on general sexual feeling in the post op transsexual as such they would not in general in the UK be under 18. But, if you're advocating restricting comment to only that which you've personally experienced I am surprised you are here advocating what is best for children with GD. Perhaps I shouldn't be.

Not at all, I think it will help them long term in avoiding the stare of discomfort and mistrust that can manifest itself on the face of a few folk without them realizing it. it is not essential as far as I am aware for the donor site to be genitalia. Hopefully that Clarifies my opinion.

I'll spell it out a bit more clearly for you stats since you appear to have difficulty understanding my posts.

I was talking about children who have been given puberty blockers early in puberty followed by cross sex hormones followed by surgery. Their genitalia are those of a child.

There appears to be some evidence that because they haven't reached sexual maturity, they do not experience normal sexual function which normally develops during puberty. Because they never go through puberty, they will never reach sexual maturity.

I'm not referring to people who went through a normal puberty and transitioned as adults, which I assume is the case for you.

As for help being limited to the psychological help until adulthood I don't subscribe to that view, it leaves me with a feeling that it's something to be ashamed of.

Do you mean because it implies a psychological cause of gender dysphoria, and that sounds like saying it's a mental illness, which feels more negative than a 'born in the wrong body' narrative? (Sorry if I misunderstood.)

I have read that view elsewhere and found it frustrating because it seems to arise from a view of mental ill health as a weakness, something to be ashamed of (which if you think about it is itself insulting, to people with depression, bipolar and so on).

For me, saying something might have a cause related to the mind is no more insulting than saying it has a cause related to the digestive system. It's still a problem that the person deserves to have help with, it can still be crippling and intractable, not their choice at all, and absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

Anyway, it's been good to chat even though we're unlikely to agree on much but, I've a bed to go to but I'll pop back from time to time I'm sure you'll be pleased. Take care.

it is not essential as far as I am aware for the donor site to be genitalia. Hopefully that Clarifies my opinion.

Clear as mud.

It has been interesting to get your perspective statsgeek1, even if we don't agree about some things.

Dockie

I think of that view that way because 18 appears to have a significance in the UK and to me it suggests that it needs a threshold because being trans and even more seeking treatment is something that is bad and not for exposure to under 18's

I can say with confidence that it is definitely related to mental health, I couldn't describe it any other way which I don't see as a weakness. I think there is a danger with removing it as a mental health condition in that the psychotherapy is hugely important in coming to terms with it and in helping to manage our expectations.