Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Christmas Wish
Monday, December 16, 2013
They are back
I've put all my post back on-line. There isn't anything there I'm ashamed of or disagree with even now, so they're all there to show what I've thought over the last few years, nothing really new or news, let alone newsworthy, just thinking out loud and my opinion.
I'll leave the rest to the reader. Enjoy or not, but at least smile a little. It doesn't hurt.
Not Funny
The truth is if TV or the movie producers actually portrayed a (trans)woman in a scene or episode properly there wouldn't be anything unusual about it because a woman is a woman, and every woman has a history, some just have a slightly different one than being a girl when she was young.
When 2 1/2 men had cis-gender female play the role of a transwoman they still did a bad job of it than what they could have done, but since it is a comedy show and anything is open for laughs, well anything the public likes to joke about, transwomen are easy targets.
Would they have portrayed a gay man as an effiminate, even flamboyant, man? Would they have portrayed a transman was a butch lesbian or vice versa? Would they have portrayed a skinhead as a sexist racist?
No they wouldn't, because the jokes would backfire on them from the media and the various groups. But transgender people, really transwomen, are still fair game for the media. It's why many in or post transition woman aren't out or in the transcommunity.
No wants to become a target for hate or jokes. If you notice the only out (trans)women are always "passable", usually beautiful. That's because it's what the media wants and they (transwomen) think how it best portrays them.
It doesn't, it only glamorizes them and forces the rest to try to live to that standard. Gee, where have we heard that argument about women and beauty. Either you are or want to be beautiful, and it doesn't matter what type of woman you are, just be beautiful.
I won't argue against as some have that a cis-gender female is good to portray the woman in the show's episode. I think it was fair to show you can't tell the difference between a genetic woman and an in or post transition woman because there is no real difference outside of their birth sex.
And that's not what makes good comedy. They could have just as easily found ways to make having been or being transgender funny is a positive way, they didn't. They chose the standard laugh line to make sex the joke and make the audience stupidier in the process.
That doesn't help the cause of transgender women. And they wonder why we hate the media for things like this. Being stupid and not funny is what it is, it's called the media.
When 2 1/2 men had cis-gender female play the role of a transwoman they still did a bad job of it than what they could have done, but since it is a comedy show and anything is open for laughs, well anything the public likes to joke about, transwomen are easy targets.
Would they have portrayed a gay man as an effiminate, even flamboyant, man? Would they have portrayed a transman was a butch lesbian or vice versa? Would they have portrayed a skinhead as a sexist racist?
No they wouldn't, because the jokes would backfire on them from the media and the various groups. But transgender people, really transwomen, are still fair game for the media. It's why many in or post transition woman aren't out or in the transcommunity.
No wants to become a target for hate or jokes. If you notice the only out (trans)women are always "passable", usually beautiful. That's because it's what the media wants and they (transwomen) think how it best portrays them.
It doesn't, it only glamorizes them and forces the rest to try to live to that standard. Gee, where have we heard that argument about women and beauty. Either you are or want to be beautiful, and it doesn't matter what type of woman you are, just be beautiful.
I won't argue against as some have that a cis-gender female is good to portray the woman in the show's episode. I think it was fair to show you can't tell the difference between a genetic woman and an in or post transition woman because there is no real difference outside of their birth sex.
And that's not what makes good comedy. They could have just as easily found ways to make having been or being transgender funny is a positive way, they didn't. They chose the standard laugh line to make sex the joke and make the audience stupidier in the process.
That doesn't help the cause of transgender women. And they wonder why we hate the media for things like this. Being stupid and not funny is what it is, it's called the media.
The Same
A child's sense of themself as a boy or a girl is innate and they self-recognize at an early age which is reinforced by the time they're 5-6 years old when they interact with other children and the world. That is given that parents assume their sex and gender are the same.
That doesn't change and isn't any different when the boy identifies as a girl or a girl identifies as a boy. It's the same self-recognition of themselves. That what anti-transgender activists forget. Children are children to know who they are.
I get tired of the activists arguing that a boy doesn't know who they are when the identify as a girl, but then say the opposite when the boy never questions being a boy, or the same about a girl whether she identifies as a girl or a boy.
They can't keep using different standards for the same thing, and I wish people would question them, challenge them and call them out for their hypocrisy.
That doesn't change and isn't any different when the boy identifies as a girl or a girl identifies as a boy. It's the same self-recognition of themselves. That what anti-transgender activists forget. Children are children to know who they are.
I get tired of the activists arguing that a boy doesn't know who they are when the identify as a girl, but then say the opposite when the boy never questions being a boy, or the same about a girl whether she identifies as a girl or a boy.
They can't keep using different standards for the same thing, and I wish people would question them, challenge them and call them out for their hypocrisy.
Here is the deal
To those who rail at transgender people needing anti-discrimination laws for their rights and protections, here's the deal, simply put so you understand the underlying problem. Ready?
When you stop discriminating against transgender people, especially using hate and more so violence against them, and treat them as everyone else, then they don't need anti-discrimination laws to protect their rights and hold you legally liable and accountable.
Not hard to see, learn and understand is it? If you're the problem, then you're the solution. It's not rocket science, it's human dignity.
When you stop discriminating against transgender people, especially using hate and more so violence against them, and treat them as everyone else, then they don't need anti-discrimination laws to protect their rights and hold you legally liable and accountable.
Not hard to see, learn and understand is it? If you're the problem, then you're the solution. It's not rocket science, it's human dignity.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Not a Reason
I read the announcement by Megan Wallant that she was transitioning back to being Michael by April 2013, see link below, because of the health issues associated with the forms of estrogen used with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to change the internal hormone balance from male to female.
There are risks associated with both drugs normally used with HRT, namely Spironlactone and Estradoil with a few lesser drugs for some people. With some people either or both the drugs can produce adverse effects or have pronounced side effects, the former blocking the action of testosterone and the latter producing female-like effects.
Spironlactone can also reduce the metabolism in some people requiring them to gain additional weight on top of the effects of the additional fat while helping to lose weight on others with the decrease in muscle mass without gaining much fat. This is more due to genetics than drugs.
Estradoil is the one which can have the more pronounced adverse effects in the brain by changing the person's emotions and mental makeup. This is the drug which most transitioning women write about with the changes they note over the months and years of their transition.
Estradoil, mostly oral form but other forms of the supplements, has recently (2012) been found to exacerbate symptoms and conditions of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, especially bleeding in their intestinal track.
It has also been noted with a few women who transition is that estradoil can exacerbate a predisposition for depression, especially for those with genetic Dysthymia or a depression-sensitive personality or character.
What Megan wrote about, on her blog is also true for those predisposed to the risk of blood clots. I would, however, argue that not being able to take HRT isn't a reason to not just discontinue one's transition but to transition back to being male.
This is especially true if one has completed their transition with facial cosmetic surgery and even breast augmentation, whether or not they've had Gender Confirmation Surgery (GCS), usually called sex reassignment surgery in the US.
You can live as a woman without taking estradoil and take low to moderate dosage of Spironlactone until your GCS after which isn't unnecessary, but even then some take low dosages of testosterone to keep a minmum level for health reasons.
I won't argue against her decision, that's her personal one to make and we to respect. I would argue by itself it's not a reason if you are a woman and want to live the rest of your life as a woman. You don't need estrogen for it.
If you are happy being the woman you know you are, then drugs won't change that, they only help but they aren't or shouldn't be reasons to go back if you can't take them. There are genetic females who can't take more due to the same risks.
The inability to take estrogen only changes one's plans with their transition but not their goal. You adapt and adjust, and if necessary take a break to rethink the plan, but never rethink the goal. It's about being yourself whoever that is, drugs or not.
There are risks associated with both drugs normally used with HRT, namely Spironlactone and Estradoil with a few lesser drugs for some people. With some people either or both the drugs can produce adverse effects or have pronounced side effects, the former blocking the action of testosterone and the latter producing female-like effects.
Spironlactone can also reduce the metabolism in some people requiring them to gain additional weight on top of the effects of the additional fat while helping to lose weight on others with the decrease in muscle mass without gaining much fat. This is more due to genetics than drugs.
Estradoil is the one which can have the more pronounced adverse effects in the brain by changing the person's emotions and mental makeup. This is the drug which most transitioning women write about with the changes they note over the months and years of their transition.
Estradoil, mostly oral form but other forms of the supplements, has recently (2012) been found to exacerbate symptoms and conditions of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, especially bleeding in their intestinal track.
It has also been noted with a few women who transition is that estradoil can exacerbate a predisposition for depression, especially for those with genetic Dysthymia or a depression-sensitive personality or character.
What Megan wrote about, on her blog is also true for those predisposed to the risk of blood clots. I would, however, argue that not being able to take HRT isn't a reason to not just discontinue one's transition but to transition back to being male.
This is especially true if one has completed their transition with facial cosmetic surgery and even breast augmentation, whether or not they've had Gender Confirmation Surgery (GCS), usually called sex reassignment surgery in the US.
You can live as a woman without taking estradoil and take low to moderate dosage of Spironlactone until your GCS after which isn't unnecessary, but even then some take low dosages of testosterone to keep a minmum level for health reasons.
I won't argue against her decision, that's her personal one to make and we to respect. I would argue by itself it's not a reason if you are a woman and want to live the rest of your life as a woman. You don't need estrogen for it.
If you are happy being the woman you know you are, then drugs won't change that, they only help but they aren't or shouldn't be reasons to go back if you can't take them. There are genetic females who can't take more due to the same risks.
The inability to take estrogen only changes one's plans with their transition but not their goal. You adapt and adjust, and if necessary take a break to rethink the plan, but never rethink the goal. It's about being yourself whoever that is, drugs or not.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Lifting the Ban
The Obama administration, namely the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is considering lifting the ban under Medicare rules on Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) for patients diagnosed with Gender Identity Condition (GIC) and undergoing a medically supervised course of treatment for which SRS is recommended.
They should lift the ban and allow patients to be covered for SRS as part of their transition. That's common sense since the initial decision to ban SRS was made in the 1960's and the last decision on it was made in the 1980's. Science has changed a lot to show SRS is doable and affordable with a high success rate and few complications.
That's the good news, but I wouldn't hold your breath if you're on Medicare. It will be some time before the ban is lifted and then more time to find surgeons willing to accept Medicare patients for the remibursement, meaning if you still want it, get out your checkbook.
I say this because over 3 years ago the Obama administration sent a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) which oversees the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) program for health insurance for active and retired federal and postal retirees to lift the ban under that program.
The exclusion still exists in the health insurance plans offered to members and their families. While it is illegal to discriminate against transgender (in or post transition) employees, it is still legal for health insurance companies to discriminate against anyone undergoing a transition.
In short, it's the same answer and situation. While a few health insurance companies provide full coverage for GIC, including SRS, the coverage for employees are mostly provided directly by hundreds of companies and corporations as part of the employee's benefits.
So how about it President Obama, stop talking and recommending change, but actually see it happens with both the FEHB and Medicare?
Three years is too long for those who have already transitioned out of their own pocket for something which the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have supported being covered by insurance.
GIC is a known and treatable condition with a long standing course of course of medically supervised treatment with over 98% successful satisfaction for patients. Reducing the out-of-pocket expenses to the affordable range which their health insurance is the right thing.
It's the human and humane thing to do. How about some action now Mr. President? Words don't write checks, and people with GIC have long paid the financial price with many still waiting to save for it. Don't talk, act!
They should lift the ban and allow patients to be covered for SRS as part of their transition. That's common sense since the initial decision to ban SRS was made in the 1960's and the last decision on it was made in the 1980's. Science has changed a lot to show SRS is doable and affordable with a high success rate and few complications.
That's the good news, but I wouldn't hold your breath if you're on Medicare. It will be some time before the ban is lifted and then more time to find surgeons willing to accept Medicare patients for the remibursement, meaning if you still want it, get out your checkbook.
I say this because over 3 years ago the Obama administration sent a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) which oversees the Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) program for health insurance for active and retired federal and postal retirees to lift the ban under that program.
The exclusion still exists in the health insurance plans offered to members and their families. While it is illegal to discriminate against transgender (in or post transition) employees, it is still legal for health insurance companies to discriminate against anyone undergoing a transition.
In short, it's the same answer and situation. While a few health insurance companies provide full coverage for GIC, including SRS, the coverage for employees are mostly provided directly by hundreds of companies and corporations as part of the employee's benefits.
So how about it President Obama, stop talking and recommending change, but actually see it happens with both the FEHB and Medicare?
Three years is too long for those who have already transitioned out of their own pocket for something which the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) have supported being covered by insurance.
GIC is a known and treatable condition with a long standing course of course of medically supervised treatment with over 98% successful satisfaction for patients. Reducing the out-of-pocket expenses to the affordable range which their health insurance is the right thing.
It's the human and humane thing to do. How about some action now Mr. President? Words don't write checks, and people with GIC have long paid the financial price with many still waiting to save for it. Don't talk, act!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Frustration
I wonder if those transitioning women on the social networking Websites realize that describing and documenting their changes on hormone replacement theraphy drugs, while good for them to get, know and celebrate, only frustrates those who at best can only take small dosages or at worst can't take them for the adverse side effects or comorbidity.
But then as someone said about this, "Hey, there's always surgery.", and not being on HRT won't disqualify you for gender confirmation surgery. It's just that to some it's frustrating to see what they are missing which many use as the basis for being real about a transition when it's about the person, not the drugs.
But then as someone said about this, "Hey, there's always surgery.", and not being on HRT won't disqualify you for gender confirmation surgery. It's just that to some it's frustrating to see what they are missing which many use as the basis for being real about a transition when it's about the person, not the drugs.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Yeah
Well, I didn't stay silent for very long. It's not my nature when I see obvious contradictions. So, I guess I'll undo some of the past post and write some more about what I see and think. But no, it hasn't changed my personal plans about my life.
Those plans are fluid for now as I sort out the finances to finish what I started and hope to finish sometime in the next 2-3 years. All I have left are the surgeries, and sadly, none are covered by health insurance despite the best medical advise and political pressure to do so.
Such is life as anyone who goes through it knows all too well. As Rusty Wallace said at the beginning of a race, "Stay tuned Hotrod, we're just getting started." Well, I'm well down the road and waiting for now. Patience is a virtue except when you want it done.
Those plans are fluid for now as I sort out the finances to finish what I started and hope to finish sometime in the next 2-3 years. All I have left are the surgeries, and sadly, none are covered by health insurance despite the best medical advise and political pressure to do so.
Such is life as anyone who goes through it knows all too well. As Rusty Wallace said at the beginning of a race, "Stay tuned Hotrod, we're just getting started." Well, I'm well down the road and waiting for now. Patience is a virtue except when you want it done.
A Dumb Question
Why do (trans)women who argue against the gender binary, arguing that people have the right to be who they are and defy the socially accepted standards for the gender binary then dress, behave, act, speak, etc. in public just like women, effectively reinforcing the gender binary?
Coming out as a (trans)woman and living as a woman isn't arguing against the gender binary, it's becoming one of them. And isn't that the goal anyway, to transition and become invisible in the world as a woman? So why say you're fighting against how you're living?
Coming out as a (trans)woman and living as a woman isn't arguing against the gender binary, it's becoming one of them. And isn't that the goal anyway, to transition and become invisible in the world as a woman? So why say you're fighting against how you're living?
Friday, December 6, 2013
Update and Changes
This will likely be my last post for awhile as I've decided I don't want to argue with the people in the transcommunity anymore and just want to get on with my life and changes I had planned and worked for but have struggled with the associated medical problems and financial issues.
It's also because I have a new plan to get through the changes and it doesn't involve anything or anyone in the transcommunity. I have all the medical and other professionals I need to change and don't plan to say anything more, as I tell friends, "It's personal and private and not open for public discussion."
I applaud younger and especially young transitioners who can be open and public - Tumblr is a good place to find them, and while it works for some transitioners, even older ones, it doesn't work and even sucks for some older people.
It's not about the person, they know who they are and what they want to do about their life. It's what people expect and don't like when they see or hear about people changing. I don't need or want it. I just want to live my life.
So I don't plan to post here except every now and then. I've moved all the previous posts to draft and may bring some of them back in the future, but I don't think they do much for anyone else except let me think out loud.
Otherwise, thanks for readers. I wish you well.
It's also because I have a new plan to get through the changes and it doesn't involve anything or anyone in the transcommunity. I have all the medical and other professionals I need to change and don't plan to say anything more, as I tell friends, "It's personal and private and not open for public discussion."
I applaud younger and especially young transitioners who can be open and public - Tumblr is a good place to find them, and while it works for some transitioners, even older ones, it doesn't work and even sucks for some older people.
It's not about the person, they know who they are and what they want to do about their life. It's what people expect and don't like when they see or hear about people changing. I don't need or want it. I just want to live my life.
So I don't plan to post here except every now and then. I've moved all the previous posts to draft and may bring some of them back in the future, but I don't think they do much for anyone else except let me think out loud.
Otherwise, thanks for readers. I wish you well.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Transmen
The problem with transmen is that they're just like men. It's what they want and who they want to become. And they wonder why after they transition women treat them just like other men.
The Difference
The difference between a cross-dresser and a woman (all inclusive, trans or otherwise) is really very easy and simple. The clothes define a cross-dresser. A woman defines her clothes.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
