"I thought had my gender issues behind me, but they're flooding back."

[Guest Leah1026]

Jdinatale said lots of stuff that sounded like it came straight from Dr Bailey himself.

I stand by my earlier conclusion:

You've totally been sucked in by the AGP junk science out of a sense of shame (and facilitated by religious therapsit who is NOT a gender expert)

Dr Bailey's theories have been thoroughly discredited for several years. His book was based on interviews he did with a couple people in a gay bar. How is that representative of trans people? It's not. Further, the man is obsessed with gay people. Do I really have to explain to you that gender identity and sexual orientation are totally separate things? Next, Dr Bailey doesn't even believe in the concept of gender identity. Next, the man has no explanation for transsexual men at all. His focus is entirely on transsexual women, who he considers gay men. Next, he says we all fit into his two little boxes. And if we don't do you know what his explanation is? He says we're all liars. Do I really need to go on? This is the man you think is a credible scientist? The man is a junk scientist who's only goal is oppressing trans people for his personal benefit.

I'm fully transitioned myself and have assisted hundreds of others to do the same. I know way more about the dynamics involved with transsexualism and transition than either Dr Bailey or that therapist you're seeing.

Edited February 15, 2012 by Leah1026
inflammatory language removed

[MaryEllen]

jdinatale,

Quite frankly, I'm confused by your motive for this thread. You've stated your feelings on your transsexuality and appear to be asking for advice but I'm not getting that. You seem to be more advocating of reparative therapy than actually asking for advice. Who are you trying to convince? If it's yourself then I can tell you, you are doomed for failure. Mr's Blanchard, Bailey and Zucker are quacks pure and simple. I would also include your present counselor in that category. These people with their reparative therapy have been the cause of many transgender suicides. You would be well advised to steer clear of them. I would advise you to stop arguing and start listening.

MaryEllen

[Guest Leah1026]

Julia Serano talks about Invalidation (something Blanchard, Bailey and Lawrence are guilty of):

http://www.juliaserano.com/av/Serano-TransInvalidations.pdf

[Guest Mia J]

Thanks Leah,

A very well done article.

Mia

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Like I said, respectfully I hope, I just don't understand what you are saying here. We answer and give an opinion of what we think, yet that is pretty much unanswered by you. I am not getting any clear picture of what you are saying. It doesn't mesh with anything I know, or with anything I have heard about from any reputable sources. I also see you mixing gender identity with sexual identity but to the point it becomes sexual 'orientation.'

Are you associated with the LDS reeducation programs, or 'preparative therapy' efforts? Just curious.

Lizzie

[Guest ZoeG360]

Leah: My thanks also for the Serrano article. I recently read "The Whipping Girl" and Serrano's insights as to the dynamics of oppositional sexism and trans misogyny, though a little difficult to navigate at times, are truly amazing.

[Guest kelly_aus]

I think one of the problems here, JD, is that you you seem to be looking for someone else to diagnose you.. Sadly, it doesn't work that way - and no reputable GT will give you the answer, they will help you to find it yourself though. I vaguely remember you suggesting that there were no GT's any where close to where you are, if that's the case I'd point out that there are several reputable GT's that will work with you over the phone or via Skype, I'd suggest you seek one out and have a talk to them. As for using the DSM-IV as a diagnostic tool, it's not the best, my therapist (who is a member of WPATH and the Australian & NZ Professional Association of Trans Health) doesn't use it, he uses his extensive professional experience to help his patients. In fact, according to the DSM-IV criteria, I'm just a wacko..