Already considering the recent events, I am happy you and your Counselor/Therapist is working very well
Continue being in contact with them in the years to come if you can!
In regards to resolving identity--there's always the personal factor in how you define yourself; there's also always a background to which you begin defining yourself, but in the case of transgender individuals, there has been significant note that their stimuli of defining themselves also comes primarily from an innate or internal origin rather than a socio-cultural, or external norm (ie Think about why this is internationally instead of just nationally or locally seen; why has the concept of being transgender existed since antiquity?). Also keeping yourself abreast of information is always a good note--when delving with research and articles of study, like that area I've linked before,
also keep yourself informed of the latest studies as well as how they apply in your particular status
You may encounter situations wherein people may voice out and define concepts merely to one particular cause or another--who you are is who you are, and not defined by external sources other than the words you use to define yourself, given the basis of being transgender is subtly easy to misunderstand, but also easy to understand. You may face people using religious quotes and snippets as their defense of being against being transgender--it may help you to examine their ideas and assess them instead of reacting to them because there have also been theological studies which inform about discrimination and bigotry within each religion's faith as these come from
interpretations rather than what is stated as current lifestyle values.
I'm happy for you DD, and also apologize for the lateness of this post x_x Pretty happy to see that in between then and now, things have been very supportive and helpful to your growth both as a person and into expressing yourself more.
Oh geez, this thread has gotten into a pretty big debate about "What is Gender Identity/Transgenderism?".
I really don't know anything about the answer to that, because I don't know if there is some certain things that can be applied, cause everyone's situations different. I know basically nothing though, so yeah. Don't take my word for it.
Or rather giving anecdotal advice rather than delve into research and study. >_> There's a lot of people remarking on that bit because of how their environments are, and what events are happening thereby.
Back on the thread: It's not a mental illness, and attributing the idea in any parallel to mental illness is really not going to get you anywhere. As a student of Psychology, it's pretty
blatantly put down that it was not, and should not have ever been classified as a mental illness in the first place; such is defined by being the precursor to the problems that a person has, whereas even being trans
does not equate the cause of being mentally ill.Edit: Yay, thanks Reelya.
I'm happy to make a thread if people want. We've handled the discussion here pretty well so far and I think it's a good topic to talk about.
It's a good topic to rather delve into educatation of oneself on, rather than 'talk about' or debate, because it's something already studied and proven. Being trans is distinctly different from being mentally ill.
I'm stressed because people keep bringing up--or at least seem to be bringing up mental illness and its probable relatedness to being transgender when this has been noted down by accommodating perspectives of inquery and scientific insight to deny that is has ever been a mental illness in the first place. Or on other issues such as 'trans regret' while not giving full details as to the cases they bring forth. >_> Misinformation starts with lacking information, and people's emotions and feelings are also contributors to how they may perceive information here.I think you left it by the door with those snarky comments back there. This is supposedly Life Advice, rather than type and post side commentary.
Sadly, I am of the opinion that other people are giving bad advice.
I hope you
work on yours before you comment on others and redirect focus onto them in general, because it has been lacking in that one post there. There's a lot of attribution that you use which isn't necessarily direct, and more 'what if this is tied to {y}'; it's unhelpful as advice. You've an opinion about others--you also have an opinion about your own.
No people, please educate yourselves.
Read and understand this:
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0083947
It's literally already in the thread. Transgendered individuals actualy have a brain structure closer to that of the gender they identify with.
A mental illness is a condition that impacts a persons mood/feelings/behavior. For transgendered individuals, there is nothing impacting thier brain, that's just the way thier brain is!.
PLEASE do note the conclusion and subsequent recommendation inasmuch as you would put note to the methodology--while that may be true, the idea that 'it may not even be about their brain structure' gives no harm, as it is as if it is merely a biological or neurological condition (which it is not).
A disorder is particularly defined as a state by which a present, underlying characteristic causes problems or hinders one's daily living significantly and impactfully--there's a reason that being transgender
is not classified as a disorder because of the predominant effect of socio-cultural norms also playing a key role into how one is being affected; one may not be bothered because they are who they are, with the difference being in external perceptions.
people with strong opinions on the topic like helmacon and Orange Wizard are common.
I certainly hope not. It'd suck to be around arseholes like me all the time.
Work with others instead of snarking with them. It'll help you a lot.
Especially how you deliver information.How can you tell someone that who they fundamentally are is wrong?
Um. A man is not a woman. They're different things. What you are is determined by what you are, not what you think you are. A person who thinks they're a cat is wrong because they're a person, not a cat.
Like this. This follows an example argument placed down by people who are not that distinctly educated in handling ideas of being transgender--issuing a definitive without detail towards that definitive as if it is assumed to already be held as what is.
If you merely think 'being transgender is a mode of thought' or a subsequent branch of philosophy, you have a
lot of research to educate yourself on. This is an example of black and white thinking. It does not put into consideration the many factors
why you're saying such.I learned recently in psychology class that homosexuality may be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy so maybe it applies to transgender people as well. Again, I'm not really too versed in what causes people to be transgender, most of the stuff I passively come across is about transitioning and social issues. Hopefully I'll comb through some of the links in this thread after finals.
Put note down on
may be. It's a good thing to re-inquire about with your instructors present there, pertaining to hormonal changes and one's sexuality.
Hey, know there's a lot of stuff in here--just wanna echo some things stated at the beginnings: Make sure that a.) gender reassignment/hormonal therapy is what you want and b.) that you really can't stand it otherwise. Not only is it well... A big change, keep in mind surgery and/or drastic changes to your body are life-changing, rather permanent, and potentially damaging options.
Also keep in mind that there's a system created to aid anyone who is actually deciding to do such.
If one is undecided or uncertain--consultation with the right professional will help
a lot.