[flamesabers]

It was very help to me to show my wife that DSM-V no longer considers a transgender identity a 'disorder'. It is only the dysphoria associated with being transgender that needs treatment; treatment which is spelled out in the Standards of Care (SOC).

In other words, 'you lot are still fucked in the head, but we're going to be a bit more politically correct about it, because we're medical professionals and still need to make money.'

I think one reason why some 'disorders' are listed in the dsm is so insurance will cover treatment for it.

I think a more sensible, but perhaps not practical approach for determining what is or is not a disorder on the individual level is deciding whether a particular behavior or condition impairs a person's ability to function on a daily basis.

Someone tell me why it is that we're told that transgenderism is incurable (presumably in the direction of gendering the same as birth sex), and at the same time, told it's "treated" with hormone pills and surgeries(as long as you're going in the other direction)?

I would wager this is because the brain is still a very mysterious organ and treatment options like hormones and surgery has proven to be effective with mitigating dysphoria. In other words, maybe it would be better to say that in the sense you describe, transgenderism is incurable but treatable?

Does anyone stop to think about what they hear? Because there are some awfully confusing and contradictory messages out there... all being sold by the same dealers who seem to have a financial interest.

Yes, I do stop to think about what I hear.

I find this a huge step forward in understanding the diversity of cross gendered people among the professional ranks, and should help thousands of gender variant people find ways to cope with their condition.

The bit in bold there bothered me the first time I read it, and it's still sticking in my craw. It just sounds like feeling sorry for oneself. Oh woe is me, I cannot be blamed for anything awful I do... I have a... condition. I'm coping with it.

Nope... I gotta say, I really don't like that attitude at all. It's not my attitude, and I'm not going to adopt it for myself.

I have... a talent... an ability... something rare and special. I'm not "coping"; I'm celebrating, learning, growing, evolving... harnessing that ability.

If I were to use the words "coping with my condition" out loud, it'd be with a sarcasm-indicating wink and smirk over a glass of wine.

Buuuut.... everybody's a victim nowadays.

I get where you're coming from Miss C, but I don't get that kind of vibe from Clara or any of the other regular contributors on this forum that I've gotten to know.