We have had an interesting discussion on phalloplasty this week, and I think it’s important to reinforce some things, especially for those who might be new to gender issues. So I would like to wrap this up by summarizing some important concepts:
> Transition is not a choice.
> Transition is not indicated for everyone who presents with gender issues. However, for those who need to transition, it is a medical necessity.
> Transition is a process involving various therapeutic, medical, and legal components and interventions. Not everyone who transitions will do exactly the same thing, and not every component of transition is indicated for every person who transitions.
This is why the WPATH Standards of Care are guidelines for transition, not a prescribed path. There is not one “right way” for everyone. Like other medical and therapeutic interventions, a transition, and what will be involved in that transition, is decided upon by an individual and his or her medical and therapeutic providers. Other factors, including finances, health concerns, and access to care, also play a major role.
> No one knows anyone else’s life circumstances. No one knows how they would respond in another person’s situation. Trans or not, we are all better off focusing on our own situation and just doing what is best for us.
Now for a little humor about being hung (or not).
Many years ago, a less-than-well-endowed boyfriend (who knew it) told me the following:
A guy was preparing to be intimate with his new love for the first time.
When the guy undressed, his lover burst out laughing and said, “You’ve got to be kidding! Who do you think you’re going to satisfy with that little tiny thing?”
And the guy said, “Me.”
And that, as they say, is that.
Great posts, Matt.
I have a question since you said that WPATH are Guidelines:
Why do medical professionals say they are following WPATH when they say the NEED a letter from a therapist for any surgeries?
Here’s my complaint:
I’m 41 yrs old & after doing a LOT of research & having common sense, why am I subjected to the same hoops that a 18 or younger must jump through? ( Like I don’t know that bottom surgery is gender altering??) sigh
Sorry but this really gets my goat.
My thought is that they are terrified of being sued. They are just protecting their bottom line (no pun intended – well, kinda). And there is still the mental health component attached – as if we might not be emotionally or mentally capable of making those kinds of decisions for ourselves.
I understand your frustration. I also think that there are doctors and surgeons who would be willing to treat us without a letter (and some who probably already do) if the surgery wasn’t permanent and life-altering, and if we weren’t such a litigious society.
I’m posting anonymously for once.
FtoM Guys should be against the law. Straight ones, anyway. They know FAR too much about female anatomy, and know exactly what buttons to press. They also emit far too many pheremones a few days after their last T-shot. We don’t stand a chance, they’re a threat to all womenkind.
After having one as a Boyfriend, the standard issue guys … just don’t cut the mustard.
You know it!