The word sex as a noun is related to the word gender, however, people often confuse the two when it comes to transgendered persons, assuming that the verb "sex" is automatically implied when someone wishes to express themselves as another gender. Quite often in the life of a transgendered person, sex (v) is not an issue. The desire to express one's self in whatever way one sees fit, or feels more comfortable, is a primary motivation for gender expression. The tendency to imply or assume that the verb "sex" has anything to do with one's gender identity or expression thereof is more an illustration of the insecurities of the person who makes such assumptions than anything based in reality. Sure, there are people who are fueld by their libido and live their lives accordingly, yet that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with gender.
on sex and gender...
Ironies abound in our society. One of the most profound is the double standard that exists in gender expression. For years, men fought to subjugate women and kept them from entering into any areas that were even vaguely traditionally considered to be male. Yes, there are differences between the genders. We all have anatomical and phsycological differences, yet no one was born with clothing on their back or makeup on their face. This is conditioning. Over the past forty years, women have made great strides, and social acceptance of women in what were considered traditional male roles has been accepted in a large part in mainstream society. From the viewpoint of a modern woman, if you look back to the way things used to be, all of the subjugation can seem downright silly. What were men guarding? What was the point? What was the male fear that motivated holding women back?
the double standard...
Women can now easily crossdress. It's accepted. Nobody thinks twice about it. In fact, most people will not even admit it, or become quick to argue that a comparison to transgendered people cannot be made. Women wear the same attire as men in all aspects of society. Face it - it's the same thing when you look back at societal conditioning that was rampant until the mid-twentieth century. The freedom that women enjoy today was the result of years of struggle to break down preconceived notions about how women should adorn themselves. Transgendered persons, on the other hand, particularly male-to-female, are looked upon as freaks. Why? We're exercising our same right of expression by transiting the traditional line between the genders that women have been crossing for decades. It's as simple as that. Males often look down upon this, as if somehow male-to-female tg's are a lesser form of life. This illustrates the same prejudices that kept women from moving into traditional male areas... sort of a "protect the fort at all costs" and "we're all males - men - and we all need to march in locked step, holding our banner of machismo high above our heads, no matter the cost." Years from now, this too will seem silly with the benefit of hindsight.
perception and reality...
Being transgendered is a serious and complicated thing to live with. Many of us suffer from what is known as gender dysphoria. For some, this can be extreme. For others, less so. In my case, I am quite gender dysphoric, however, not to the degree where I disdain any part of my anatomy, however, I am undergoing physical changes and intend on continuing to do so to the degree that I feel comfortable. I have been on hormone treatment off and on for a time now and am quickly moving toward further phsyical transitioning. In the end, though, I understand that my physicality is merely a shell. Whether I choose to stop or continue, I realize that happiness comes from within, and I take things day by day. I work as a female and live about 70% of my life as such. It feels great, and I highly recommend it, particularly if you live in a tg-friendly community. I have inner peace because I have not only accepted who I am now, but I have embraced my true self with open arms.
As long as I have the ability to express myself as I see fit, I am happy. Each tg's story is different, yet we face many of the same obstacles. It's more important now than ever for tg's to unite and speak with one voice as we pursue our rights and protections under the law, and ultimately, social acceptance. I have such respect for those who have chosen to transition. Our society has no idea what courage that it takes to undertake such a task. For me, just knowing who I am and the profoundly deep insights I have received through reading about the third sex and actually living as a female have given me a much better understanding of our place in society. Springer this is not. Kill your television. Don't believe the stereotypical lies pasted upon those of us who choose to embrace our individuality. Labels such as "drag queen" are purely ignorant labels put upon you by people who often have more problems with their own identity than you do, and who will likely never have the courage to face who they really are. The same goes with the labeling of sexual preference based upon physical appearance - again - ignorance. This is about living life without fear projected upon you by others, who are often more confused with their own insecurities and should focus on such. Be who you are without regard to what other people think of you. In the end, it's your life. Live it.
this is your life...
living day to day...