I Do Not Understand Gender Reassignment [I Am In Support of Transgender and Genderqueer People]

I have people in my life who have undergone reassignment. I also respect the contributions of some folks here who have either transitioned or who are transitioning.

That said, I don't get it.

I completely understand gender fluidity. I understand the notion of not willing to adhere to societal expectations for behavior and interpersonal relationships. Two of my closest friends in the world are in a committed homosexual relationship and I consider that relationship to be more idealized that my sister and brother in law who wouldn't be able to find love on a map.

That said, I don't understand the notion that gender reassignment.

Gender dysmorphia can, logically, only be based on social programming. One's DNA will designate literal sex. The desire to live a life as a gendered female or male, I suppose, is a choice. But the need to alter one's biology seems forced to me.

I wonder if we are able to have an open and honest converation about this.

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SW-User

This is completely false. Gender dysphoria is NOT something based on social programming. It's a lot more complex thing than that. I don't fully know what it's like, and I can't explain it fully... My only guess is that it's actually mental wiring. Their body's DNA decided to write itself as one gender, but the brain's wiring doesn't agree and goes in the other direction. Of course, I'm not a professional and I have plenty of trans friends, so I can only really take semi-educated guesses.

JustGoneNow

@SW-User This is my limited understanding as well. I know the pain they feel over it is quite real. That’s all I know. Lead with kindness is what I say. Be safe and be well.

SW-User

@JustGoneNow I support my friends and make sure they know I'm a safe person to talk to about their problems, transitioning or otherwise. I also know a little of what they are going through, as I have a bit of dysphoria about myself but not enough to make me transition. (Especially since I have VERY low pain tolerance...)
But what they need most is loving support. To know they have friends they can talk to.

JoeyFoxx · 56-60, M

@SW-User

Their body's DNA decided to write itself as one gender, but the brain's wiring doesn't agree and goes in the other direction.

Well, that makes zero sense considering 100% of who we are as an organism is based on DNA....

We aren't robots

There is no "wiring"

SW-User

@JoeyFoxx Then I guess you must think that autism is not a thing of wiring, but an actual disease we contracted.

JoeyFoxx · 56-60, M

@SW-User I fail to see the connection.

I also think it's interesting that exploring one topic would lead you to believe that you understand my perspectives on others.

SW-User

@JoeyFoxx Autism isn't a disability, disease, or a thing of social influence. It's having a differently wired brain. Transgendered people are very much similar in that their wiring goes against their body's coding.

JoeyFoxx · 56-60, M

@SW-User As far as I know the study of the overlap between gender dysphoria and autism is relatively new, though preliminary evidence shows a high correlation.

With that, are you accusing me of something or some bias?

SW-User

@JoeyFoxx I am not saying there is an overlap with autism and gender dysphoria. I am saying that brains can be wired differently.
I'm definitely accusing you of being someone who is completely unable to understand transgender people both from being from an older generation where it was extremely rare and suppressed to be transgender -- and from being completely cisgendered. Cisgendered people, even professionals in the medical field, struggle to completely understand everything behind it.

JoeyFoxx · 56-60, M

@SW-User OK. I appreciate your input.