TRANSEXUAL BASICS For more information please contact: Sandra Laframboise and Deborah Brady High Risk Project Society 449 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver (604) 681-3202 Transexualism: Sex and Gender Dilemma Transexuals are persons who have the gender identity ( mind and feelings) of one sex, and the body of the other. The transexual is born appearing to be male or female, but inwardly, they feel confused. Transexuals usually hide their feelings, but will confide their innermost thoughts to sensitive people who can provide useful advice, guidance and information. - empathetic friends - other transexuals - peer support transexual groups - doctors or other professional care givers In addition, transexuals can try to gather information about about their dilemma from a variety of sources: - medical libraries of major universities (e.g. UBC) - public mental health departments - libraries of major newspapers - public libraries - national and local radio and television talk show programs about transexualism - gay bars and clubs where other transexuals and transvestites gather - internet computer highway Transexual Info - there is sex re-assignment surgery but it will not solve all your problems -- life still goes on - set reasonable goals -- do not set inflexible schedules for yourself - the emotional pain is far worse than any physical pain involved - a rejection by family and friends is very, very painful! - some transexuals have lost their family and/or friends over transexualism - losing your job is quite possible - one of your goals might be to blend in with the rest of society - you may need to unlearn many male or female characteristics -- this takes time, effort and help from therapists, voice coaches and others - male to female transexuals experience some new 2nd class status as a woman - female to male transexuals experience greater authority, and some surprise as they are suddenly listened to! Therapy Therapy can be an integral part of resolving transexual gender dilemmas. It is recommended that a transexual chooses a therapist who has experience with transexuals. If necessary, a therapist can refer their clients to other professionals. Throughout your transexual transition, your therapist should listen to you and care for you. Hormone Treatment Hormone treatment is another integral part of making the transexual transition. Hormones change your body's chemistry, and must be administered under close medical supervision. For the transexual, hormones are a lifelong necessity -- even after the reassignment surgery, hormones will feminize or masculinize your body. Warning: Using black market hormones can be DEADLY! Electrolysis (Usually for the male to female transexual) Electrolysis is the destruction of hair roots with an electric current, and is performed by a qualified electrologist. Transexuals use this method to rid their bodies of unwanted hair (e.g. facial hair). This hair removal process typically requires 100 or more hours. To find a qualified electrologist, see the telephone book, yellow pages, or ask a friend or therapist to recommend one. There are also alternative therapies for hair removal which uses a blend of complementary techniques. The Re-Assignment Surgery - in the United States and Western Europe, the operation is performed by experienced and knowledgeable private surgeons or clinical surgeons. As yet, they are still few in number. - in Canada, different provinces may cover the partial or full cost of the operation. If you are on social assistance, consult with your financial aid worker. Costs - male to female surgery ranges from $6,000 to $20,000 for the surgery alone. This does not include up to $5,000 for electrolysis and thousands more for therapy, voice specialists, and clothing appropriate to you new sex. - female to male surgery is more costly, and ranges from $20,000 to upwards of $50,000. - neither surgery guarantees sexual pleasure in your new sex - male to female surgeries include: - penectomy: removal of part of the tissue of the penis, removal of testicles, castration - vaginoplasty: construction of a vagina - skin grafts, for a more authentic female appearance - female to male surgeries include: - ovariectomy: removal of the ovaries - hysterectomy: removal of the uterus - mastectomy: removal of the breasts - phalloplasty: construction of a penis Preparation for Surgery - be in good physical and mental health - live in the gender of your choice for at least one year 24 hours a day - it is recommended to stop hormones 1 week before surgery if so advised by your doctor - if possible, make plans to stay with a friend during your recovery from surgery - if you are married, a divorce may be required before/after surgery -- consult a lawyer Legal Considerations Transexuals may be legally oppressed in a number of ways, from being barred from using a restroom (a therapists letter is very helpful here), to job discrimination. A transexual could be cited for disturbing the peace if someone started a fight with the transexual, just because the transexual's original sex had been guessed. Have your driver's license, social insurance card, credit cards and insurance papers changed to your new name before your re-assignment surgery. Check with your local library, department of motor vehicles and lawyer for help. Have a doctor's letter explaining why you are living full-time in your chosen gender. Some of these measures may help resolve some of your problems. Think About It! Sex reassignment surgery is a lifetime thing. Don't be in a hurry to take the final step. Changing back is NOT successful. Suggested Books and Publications - Harry Benjamin, Transsexual Phenomenon (New York: Warner Books, 1977) - Walter L. Williams, The Spirit and the Flesh (Boston, Beacon Press 1986) - Coleman, E. and Bockting, W.O., "Heterosexual Prior to sex Reassignment Surgery, Homosexual afterwards" , Journal of Psychology and Human Sexuality , 1988. - Transexual News Telegraph, Suite 288; 584 Castro St. San Francisco, CA 94114-2588 - TransSisters, 4004 Troost Ave. Kansas City.Missouri 64110 - Raymond, Janice G. ( 1979) The Transexual Empire: The Making of The She-Male. Boston: Beacon Press. Reissued in 1994 by Teachers College Press.