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hausboy -> RE: The Transgender Thread (11/13/2011 3:58:09 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: LafayetteLady
You know from a scientific stance, some bloodwork appears different for male and female. I would think that would be why that third box is so important. Plus as a transgendered person, the hormones that you take can, I'm sure alter the results if the pathologist doesn't allow for it.
Using Chaz Bono as an example since he is currently the most public figure in this. I know that Chaz (Yep, watched the show "Becoming Chaz") has not had the genetalia surgery. Whether or not a hysterectomy has been done or not, I don't know, but I know the plumbing is still there. So at some point every year, Chaz needs to have a pap smear and a pelvic exam. I can't even imagine how that makes him (or you if you are in a similar position) horribly uncomfortable. The reallity, however, is that those "female issues" that are strictly for the scientifically female need to be checked for health issues.
Ok, I know this sounds really mean, but it isn't meant that way. During transition and after, it isn't all about you (general you). Again, let's use Chaz Bono. I look at him, and would not mistake him for a female. He doesn't remind me of some guys I know, but that isn't relavant, lol. How old is Chaz now? How long ago was this transition? Cher gave birth to him and raised a daughter. Switching pronouns, I'm sure can sometimes happen. Keep in mind I'm not talking about those who refuse or do it intentionally. They are just jerks. But someone who knew Chaz for 20-30 years before his transition, can't just forget all that time he was female. While I get that the person transitioning has had it tough for a long time, they can't expect loved ones to catch up overnight.
The above struck me. Was your "butch punk dyke" era before or after you had realized you were transgendered? Because if before, in retrospect, would you say it explains the behavior quite a bit?
As we age, it isn't that we don't "live for the battles," we have just found more productive ways of fighting them.
Hi LafayetteLady
no apology necessary--no offense taken.
surgery is always a very private, personal matter, regardless of what your gender is. For those FTMs who decide to not have lower surgeries, they should get pap smears performed. Yes--it's a problem for many. It can be very physically painful, emotionally painful and it's sometimes very tough to find a compassionate GYN. Not to mention the embarrassment of having to go to a GYN's office. Many decide not to go at all.... and if you've ever seen the documentary Southern Comfort-- "woman-cancers" do kill FTMs, and in Robert Eads' case, he did not have access to the appropriate healthcare as a transman. His death had a true ripple effect nationwide and it changed how many of us handled our health insurance matters.
In answer to your second question, I identified as a boy when I was three--which is also when my parents were made aware of the "problem" by the nursery school. I was out as a lesbian for several years before I fully came to understand my identity.
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