sister_sam on Nostr: It is known that several parts of the brain during fetal development are influenced ...
It is known that several parts of the brain during fetal development are influenced by sex hormones in a se differentiated way. That is there are differences in male and female brains. Some of this development is at different times than other parts of sex differentiated development. Various factors like the mothers hormone balance can tilt it one way or the other - more male or female. This is laid down before birth. A common explanation of trans people is that this brain development is tweaked substantially enough toward that common for the other sex than chromosomal sex.
The basic structures do not change substantially over time. This explains a LOT about why trans people experience being gender other than apparent secondary sexual characteristics and many from a very young age and it is not changeable with life experience. It also has no strong correlation with sexual abuse etc. All of those theories were exploded long ago.
Besids trans folks there are also various types of intersex fetal development which also happens more than most know.
Medical transition is not so expensive compared to many medical treatments. Hormones are cheap. Many surgeries in the $15K to $50K range. Many many things more expensive.
People who are trans consider transition a life saver that gives them a chance at a more fulfilling life. Rate of regret is far lower than for most elective surgery. Those who are not trans have difficulty understanding the depth of the conflict and the relief transition can bring. Saying it is only a way for hospitals etc to make money is absurd and incredibly crass and cynical.
I should know. I was born trans. I tried to explain it way for 30 years, or believe it was some psychological kink, or that I was just gay. I tried everything including just ignoring it and living in the external apparent gender. Every year I wondered if I could survive another year living contrary to my inner gender setting. Finally I stopped running and faced it. I transitioned 33 years ago. It sure as hell wasn't "trendy" or well supported back then. It saved my life and gave me room to get on with life.
The basic structures do not change substantially over time. This explains a LOT about why trans people experience being gender other than apparent secondary sexual characteristics and many from a very young age and it is not changeable with life experience. It also has no strong correlation with sexual abuse etc. All of those theories were exploded long ago.
Besids trans folks there are also various types of intersex fetal development which also happens more than most know.
Medical transition is not so expensive compared to many medical treatments. Hormones are cheap. Many surgeries in the $15K to $50K range. Many many things more expensive.
People who are trans consider transition a life saver that gives them a chance at a more fulfilling life. Rate of regret is far lower than for most elective surgery. Those who are not trans have difficulty understanding the depth of the conflict and the relief transition can bring. Saying it is only a way for hospitals etc to make money is absurd and incredibly crass and cynical.
I should know. I was born trans. I tried to explain it way for 30 years, or believe it was some psychological kink, or that I was just gay. I tried everything including just ignoring it and living in the external apparent gender. Every year I wondered if I could survive another year living contrary to my inner gender setting. Finally I stopped running and faced it. I transitioned 33 years ago. It sure as hell wasn't "trendy" or well supported back then. It saved my life and gave me room to get on with life.