I understand the distinction between gender identity as a form of expression, and gender dysphoria as a behavioral disorder. And I am glad you want to address at least the behavioral disorder.
The problem with this common argument that many today hold (on both sides, I might add), is that a transgender “gender identity” is not itself treated as the symptom of a mental illness. Therefore, this common policy of treating transgenderism as some kind of neutral alternate expression of personality is a harmful public policy. It harms both individuals by cementing a mentally ill person deeper into his mental illness, making it harder for him to be healed. And it harms the families of those individuals who need mental treatment themselves for years afterward.
Consider other mental illnesses and their symptoms. Which of these other mental illnesses would you enable people to treat their symptoms as neutral, alternate expressions of personality? Clinical depression? Paranoia? Multiple personalities? Dissociative personality? Psychosis? Why is it then that transgenderism which includes both “gender identity” and “gender dysphoria” gets a free pass?
Also, cross-sex surgeries are not “cosmetic surgeries” and it is misguided to classify them as such. These are not nose jobs or face lifts we’re talking about here. We are talking about allowing people to create an extreme fake ID. That instead of a man, this surgery will enable a mentally ill man to pass as a woman, so that he thinks he has become a woman (even though his genetic makeup doesn’t change). The same is true vice versa. Cross-sex surgeries are destructive. Doctors and hospitals have to know if a person is biologically male or female so they can actually operate on them successfully.
Therefore, cross-sex surgery is not a neutral form of expression or a mere cosmetic surgery. It is a mental health hazard, destructive to affected individuals and their families, and can and should be legislated against.
The only issue I see with this is that medical disabilities have proof. There would have to be an investigation, that I can only see as somewhat invasive, in order to prove a trans person actually is. Otherwise, so many people could just claim to be trans and get the disability income.
I feel like there are alot of people drawn to transgender/gender dysphoria the same way we saw people suddenly claiming to have tourettes. Alot of them didn’t, but convinced themselves they did. I feel like there should be research being done, and much more treatment before people jump straight into chemical and surgical options that often leave irreparable consequences. It’s too late to regret it at that point, and there are plenty who do. The way we do things now, to me, seems manipulative and exploitative.
Since receiving a teaching degree in Psychology in 1983, I have watched political pressure from special interest groups influence the medical communities perception of normalcy. I believe a review of this influence should be undertaken when re establishing normal vs abnormal behaviors.
i agree. As an ER nurse, in the hospital settings it needs to be a law that patients cannot change their pronouns when requesting healthcare. It delays emerency care.
It’s amazing how all of a sudden over such a wide age range this “craze” has started!! And the muchausen parents that want in on it saying their 3 yr old chooses to be trans gender . Even though everyone knows all 3 yr olds are interested in is SpongeBob and crayons
Thank you for this response. It is educated, thoughtful, and addresses the main point of the claim.
A few points to further discuss:
Re. the issue about allowing funding for treatment and research. Why shouldn’t we do that, indeed! From what I have learned, there is a lot of bogus research out there (e.g., hand-picked participants in studies instead of true random-sampled participants). There is a big trans lobby that is well-funded and apparently pays for the results it wants from studies. So that’s the main concern. Honest studies are needed. Double-blind studies. How to get there is a big issue.
Re. gender dysphoria as a physical, biological issue. Thank you for this helpful comment addressing the difference in the BSTc section of the brain. I had not known this. Very helpful. From the few Amen Clinics around that do brain SPECT imaging on patients of mental illness, it seems that every mental disorder has a physical, biological component in the brain as well. (Which is another reason why another policy petition I wrote addresses funding more of this cutting-edge mental health treatment centers.)
I disagree that currently the best treatment in terms of long-term patient happiness is transitioning. People who “de-trans” are filled with lives of deep regret. Reversing a double mastectomy is impossible. Hormonal and surgical changes cannot be simply undone. The medical harms alone caused by transitioning does not lead to greater happiness. There is a reason that people who go to Planned Parenthoods to get cross-sex hormones have to sign waivers promising they won’t sue.
Re. suicidality. I would argue that the mental affliction itself is the cause, and not societal reactions against those afflicted with gender dysphoria. A person’s mind and body are disconnected. There is thus a daily struggle for those under this horrible affliction. Trying to get the whole world to affirm that this affliction is somehow safe and normal doesn’t erase the individual’s personal mental struggle. It may mute unwanted voices, maybe. But it heals nothing.
What is needed is medical treatment that can heal the disconnect by reconnecting mind and body. What is needed is treatment that addresses these BSTc centers that restore these parts of the brain to their biological sex. That is what I hope can be discovered. Hence, the need for honest research, etc. And for that, there needs to be an honest categorization of transgenderism as a mental illness, and that acting on its symptoms is pitiable, not safe, not healthy, and very afflicting. Compassion is certainly needed for people who feel trapped in their own skin - but this compassion should be directed to healing the disconnect, not making the disconnect even deeper.
I wish all health workers felt the same. I personally know at least one man taking hormones who was told by a psychiatrist that there was absolutely nothing wrong with him, and it was all dismissed. Another man I know has been encouraged by his therapists to change his sex.
Legally, nothing also prevents a man from changing his name to be that of a woman’s. That is also an issue that must be addressed.
I feel that we should not be speaking for the members of their community. Regardless of the the “why” it is a true disorder and should be seen as such. I do not agree with changing the diagnosis code to a mental health disorder as it opens the door for radical persecution. I do feel that children should not undergo hormonal therapy etc. due to the negative implications of the brain and body. I feel that we should help the members of the community, it is a medical condition and should be seen a such giving strict guidelines for medical professionals to complete for coverage.
If you are going to have an opinion on this please make sure it is an educated opinion. I encourage everyone to watch this video by Prof. Robert Sapolsky:(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QScpDGqwsQ&t=2s)
There is a very big difference between people who supposedly become trans because of the perverted ideologies imposed on them by propaganda or they feel like they are trans because they are exposed to certain chemicals, versus people whose brains are that way from birth. The latter is a relatively rare occurrence and it has been around for thousands of years. It is not a disorder, it is a natural variation.
I am a trans person (been thorough the change) I have felt this way all my life. I eat all organic and I am very healthy physically and mentally. Being trans does not stress me at all. I live happily and I am very comfortable in my skin.
This is not a black and white topic and there is no need to go from one extreme to the other. Of course I am opposed to one size fits all puberty blockers and gender change on minors. What they are doing is horrific. But adults can decide for themselves after doing in depth research, understanding and inner work.
You should know that there are thousands of well adjusted trans people which you meet and don’t realize they are trans.
Everything is energy, frequency and vibration. A person’s gender is the one that matches their frequency. A person can be born with one set of genitals and their brain can be the opposite gender. Transitioning has been very beneficial for many because they are conscious of what they are doing.
Consider that what could be a psychological problem (not illness) for one could be a fantastic experience for another.
That said I encourage everyone to be open minded and see each situation as a unique occurrence. If you think about it you’ll realize you don’t have to take a side. You can expand yourself to be able to hold both perspectives so you can put the pieces of the puzzle in place from an objective viewpoint. This is called AND-Consciousness and goes back to the teachings of the Buddha.
I say problem instead of illness, because once you label someone you no longer see the person. You only see the category that they belong in your head.
Prior to Christian intervention, fluid gender identities of the Native American Two Spirits were seen as a gift from the gods: 5 GENDERS: THE STORY OF THE NATIVE AMERICAN TWO-SPIRITS - the Numinous
I will argue that it is us, that is creating this issue and the polarization, because we have lost our ways.
Mr Kennedy Jr I’d be more than happy to contribute on this topic. I also have a background in medicine and psychology.
We don’t need to pass a law to achieve this. The American Psychiatric Association which publishes the DSM has a relationship with the US government that this administration can threaten to remove if they don’t fix the DSM and start recommending science-based treatments.
It seems that the majority of problems that come into play for transgender individuals is when ppl like you put them in a box and demonize them… most transgender individuals when left alone and supported, live happy, normal lives… classification as a mental illness would simply be a way to further your alienation of these people… and if theyre suffering bc youre the one imposing your beliefs on them, limiting their personal freedoms, thats not being ill bc you personally have an illness, thats being ill bc youre being oppressed. What we need is a mind your own business bill.