Can we please have a Photo & Video Gallery for the Transsexual Forum?

[Melody Moore]

Hi everyone....

I dont know how many others feel about this, but I get a little frustrated trying to work out who is a cross-dresser & who is a true transsexual in the Male-to-Female CrossDressers (http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?10-Male-to-Female-CrossDressers) forum Picture & Video Gallery (http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?24-The-Picture-and-Video-Gallery)so I would like to ask the administration here if they can start a new section here under this Transsexual Forum so we can get to know our transsexual brothers & sisters better and without being confused with the cross-dressing community on this site?

If you think this is a good idea, then please post your support for this suggestion.

Thank you

Melody Moore

[Kathryn Martin]

Yeah, I agree

[TerryTerri]

IDK. That would suggest a segregation that may not be healthy for the site as a whole. However, most of us know first hand that CD and T-folk seem to have a different focus on things although we have many similarities. Understanding that differences exist and that it's okay to have the differences is one thing. Doing something that segregates the site is something different. There are already several 'special purpose' sections on the forum where you must be a specific member of in order to see them. I think (imo) that those special purpose sectioons provide enough seperation without the appearence of segregation.
But, IDK. I just question if it's a good and healthy thing for the site as a whole.

[Inna]

can we post pictures here?

[Kathryn Martin]

can we post pictures here?I love your new avatar, do you mean like that one:daydreaming:

[Cassi3]

I'll second that request!

[Melody Moore]

IDK. That would suggest a segregation that may not be healthy for the site as a whole.

I think it would be very healthy because I don't identify as a Male-to-Female CrossDresser (http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?10-Male-to-Female-CrossDressers), which that forum appears to be specifically set up for - so why should I be forced to post my images on there as I have done in the past but now have some regrets about being included in that group?

I am not transitioning because of some sexual fetish, I am transitioning because I am matching my body to my real gender identity which makes me a true transsexual female. Apart from dressing in clothing of the opposite sex to the body in which we were born, I don't think there is much that we do share in common with your average typical cross-dresser who dresses for a fetish based reason & sometimes even ****ty. Sorry if that comment offends other on this site but this is how I really feel!


I love your new avatar, do you mean like that one:daydreaming:
I also agree with Kathryn thats a beautiful picture. Alexia - you really are a babe :)

[Cassi3]

I think it would be very healthy because I don't identify as a Male-to-Female CrossDresser (http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?10-Male-to-Female-CrossDressers), which that forum appears to be specifically set up for - so why should I be forced to post my images on there as I have done in the past but now have some regrets about being included in that group?

I am not transitioning because of some sexual fetish, I am transitioning because I am matching my body to my real gender identity which makes me a true transsexual female. Apart from dressing in clothing of the opposite sex to the body in which we were born, I don't think there is much that we do share in common with your average typical cross-dresser who dresses for a fetish based reason & sometimes even ****ty. Sorry if that comment offends other on this site but this is how I really feel!

I agree with that assesment Melody!

[Kaitlyn Michele]

I am not transitioning because of some sexual fetish, I am transitioning because I am matching my body to my real gender identity which makes me a true transsexual female. Apart from dressing in clothing of the opposite sex to the body in which we were born, I don't think there is much that we do share in common with your average typical cross-dresser who dresses for a fetish based reason & sometimes more ****ty. Sorry if that comment offends other on this site but this is how I really feel!

UGH!

no! no! no!....
do you realize how terrible it sounds to say " some sexual fetish"

I don't think it would be "healthy" at all...we have a safe haven for posting whatever you want or are you saying crossdressers to the back of the bus?

[Cassi3]

UGH!

no! no! no!....
do you realize how terrible it sounds to say " some sexual fetish"

I don't think it would be "healthy" at all...we have a safe haven for posting whatever you want or are you saying crossdressers to the back of the bus?

I don't think it was meant to toss anyone to the back of the bus. And I believe that not everyone has been invited into the Safe Haven group.

[Melody Moore]

are you saying crossdressers to the back of the bus?
Im not implying anything like that at all - I want to know my transsexual brothers & sisters a lot better & if I feel there is any issue with posting images amongst that group then I am sure there are other transsexuals that feel the same way as I do as well. And going by the support here so far, I think there might be some truth to my statement.


And I believe that not everyone has been invited into the Safe Haven group.
That is another reason why I think that such a gallery should be included in this particular section and not
the Safe Haven group where our FtM brothers cannot post... so thanks Cassie for seeing my reasoning here.

I dont think its appropriate that FtM transsexuals post in the Male-to-Female CrossDressers (http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?10-Male-to-Female-CrossDressers) forum and I apologise for not mentioning this in my first post. There has been a lot of talk recently about segregation between MtF & FtM transsexuals, so I really believe that this is one way that we can bring the transsexual community here much closer together. I know there is the Rogues Gallery in the Transmen section but how many of us actually visit that section? Maybe it should be combined with a gallery in the transsexual section where we can all get to know each other better.

[Inna]

I'll sit in the back, where are we going?

[Violetgray]

I think it would be very healthy because I don't identify as a Male-to-Female CrossDresser (http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?10-Male-to-Female-CrossDressers), which that forum appears to be specifically set up for - so why should I be forced to post my images on there as I have done in the past but now have some regrets about being included in that group?

I am not transitioning because of some sexual fetish, I am transitioning because I am matching my body to my real gender identity which makes me a true transsexual female. Apart from dressing in clothing of the opposite sex to the body in which we were born, I don't think there is much that we do share in common with your average typical cross-dresser who dresses for a fetish based reason & sometimes even ****ty. Sorry if that comment offends other on this site but this is how I really feel!


I also agree with Kathryn thats a beautiful picture. Alexia - you really are a babe :)

Wow. Just wow. I have really conflicting emotions about your two posts.

I'm curious. Why do you feel the need for a TS gallery? Is it so that you can see and admire the progress of those on the same road as you are? If so, I can understand that. And I admire those who go full-time, that strength and dedication makes for some truly beautiful women inside and out, and it does often translate to their pics! Here's the issue though..

Not all TS women are transitioning. Maybe they haven't done it yet, maybe they are female inside and circumstances (family, money) prevent them from fullfilling their dream. And if we're talking about something visual like a photo, what is the difference between a TS who hasn't taken any steps yet and a cd?

Crossdressers and TS girls don't have much in common? You mean other than putting on a masculine front? Or fear of ruining their marriages, hiding things from their friends, their parents, their friends, their workplaces? Or danger of harrassment while out in public? There are significant ways in which transwomen and cd's are different, they can be addressed in the forums where we talk about them. But like I said, i have conflicting emotions about it, and I can understand the desire for a gallery for TS's.

Your posts do come across as disdainful, however. I'm not even sure If I want to know the ways you think TS's and CD's are different. Equating cd's with ****ty? ::sigh:: Nevermind.

Edit: Also, are there a lot of people who transition because of a sexual fetish?

[Melody Moore]

Violet, I am well prepared to deal with this type of argument & any backlash however right now I don't have time for a proper reply as I have to go out as I have business to take care of but rest assured you will get a reply later about this. Maybe you should also reconsider your opinion that you posted as I was still compiling my last reply.

[Violetgray]

I understand, I look forward to your reply. I don't feel the need to reconsider my response, as I am completely open to the idea that I'm wrong (I'm not even completely in disagreement with you as far as the idea).

Take care and have fun! :-)

[Faith_G]

I don't like to divide, and I think the last thing this board needs is another subforum. I also have a problem with excluding CD's because I used to identify as a CD. More than a few of us did, and there are people on this board right now who currently identify as CD's who are actually TS.

Basically, I'm agin it!

[Zenith]

Myself, as well as several other TS post in the Picture Gallery. No one ever said there was anything wrong with that...there are pics of me earlier as a CDer as well as fully transitioned post-op TS. Don't see a problem here...

[Kaitlyn Michele]

Melody I don't care if there are multiple picture sites. Your point is a valid question and I simply disagree that there is value. If we had such photo sections I'd be totally ok..its just unnecessary in my opinion..no worries

However, what I don't like is the attitude about crossdressing ...the path to thinking of yourself as transsexual is often long and confusing... there are tons of crossdressers out there that are wondering about their future and why they crossdress..many end up considering themselves ts, many transition, and many are planning for a future transition. You can deny it all you want but your response to the post that questioned the idea was striking in its fetish phobia, and the superiority in your assertion that you are a "true" transsexual.....whether you meant to or not..your post is saying more about how you don't want to be lumped in with "THEM" than about how you want to share more photos amongst ts women

[AllieSF]

I agree with Kaitlyn. If they have a photo section for TS only, so be it. However, your choice of words (fetish, ****ty) in reference to us CD's does not gain you much credence in your explanation. I find them offensive and revealing. I also have to say that your posts are the first that I have seen here with such separating tone, us versus them.

[Rianna Humble]

I am not transitioning because of some sexual fetish, I am transitioning because I am matching my body to my real gender identity which makes me a true transsexual female. Apart from dressing in clothing of the opposite sex to the body in which we were born, I don't think there is much that we do share in common with your average typical cross-dresser who dresses for a fetish based reason

I'm sorry, you just lost my vote. You are guilty here of exactly the type of stigmatisation that we deplore from the cis community. :Angry3:

Why do you exclude the average cross-dressers for whom dressing has nothing to do with fetish or with sexual reasons?

I also gagged at the term "true transsexual female" :puke: What gives you the right to define which of us are not true in your eyes?

[Fraye]

Wouldn't be the first time for this kind of tomfoolery.

This post is where Melody claims to be "more female then most here":
http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?140745-When-men-seek-to-date-a-TS-woman-what-are-they-truely-seeking&p=2285354&viewfull=1#post2285354

Idea in original post isn't bad. Quoted reasons for said idea are pretty judgemental, distasteful, ignorant, and hypocritical.

[Gerrijerry]

I simply do not agree on so many fronts.
Since you are what you call a true transexual your words. Which of course means you want and are a woman. Then what is the big deal about having your photo even shown. After all isn't the idea to blend in and not stand out. I understand others who want to show there photos especially CD's since they do not get to dress as much as they would like. so an image is important to many. However it should not be to a real "true TS woman". Isn't that what mirrors are for, looking at your self LOL. Unless of course you think of your self as a model to be held above all other woman to be admired etc.
99% my thinking is that we all started as CD's and later became TS after we found ourselves and accepted and understood that something inside us was different then how our bodies looked. It was never about the clothes for a TRUE TRANSSEXUAL RIGHT. So why would you talk about CD's that way. I was one until I realized that I was using the wrong classifacation as per my counselor. Oh I also think that many who say they are TS are really CD's.
Basiclly I think all the labels, photos, are cries to express what people think they want. But TS woman know what they want and need.
It is a forum like this that lets all talk and learn. Seperation is exactly what most of us don't want. Yes TS have other things to talk about besides the clothes. . So maybe just maybe others may see them self and say I may need to evaluate myself as to what I want in life. Photo's for TS woman only what a laugh. Compasion for others is more what is needed. Support for others. Especially from Ts woman who have already been throught it and can help others. OH and lets not forget about the Female to Male group either who also need our support.
Sorry everyone about this but I just had to say what I felt.

[Melody Moore]

I think many of you are now missing my point which is about bringing the transsexual community here closer together.

First of all the suggestion that my idea will segregate this community is total nonsense, because there is already segregation here - take the Rogues Gallery in the Trans-men forum for example, it is already separate & segregated from the rest of the transsexual community & this makes absolutely no sense to me at all. Can anyone give me any good reason why the Rogues Gallery cannot be included in a Picture & Video gallery for the rest of the transsexual community? Recently there has been quite a bit of discussion about the ignorance of MtF community with regards to the FtM community. So wouldn't my suggestion be uniting our transsexual brothers & sisters & promote an even greater acceptance & awareness & acceptance of our transsexual brothers? I feel I have more in common with FtM Transsexuals than I do MtF Crossdressers.

What is a 'true transsexual'?.... someone who has been medically diagnosed as having Gender Dysphoria is a true transsexual if you are not diagnosed, then you cannot claim to be a transsexual. Cross-dressing on the other hand is most often 'transvestic fetishism' and is a completely different condition which may also occur with transsexualism.

The 'Cross-dresser' label is something I have never identified with & never will - I also know from PMs I have received about this matter that I know I'm not the only one here who has issues about being mis-labelled as a cross-dresser. If you are somewhere in between being a cross-dresser & transsexual & trying to work out where you are in the transgender spectrum, then I believe the much more appropriate label would be 'transgendered' - not transsexual. because these transgendered individuals have not been properly diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria


This post is where Melody claims to be "more female then most here"

For your information I am also diagnosed as intersexed (hermaphrodite) who was surgically altered soon after birth also suffers also from Gender Dysphoria and also I am medically & legally recognised on all legal documentation & ID (all except my birth certificate) as being female. I'm identified as a 'transsexual' because I reject my male gender assignment as an infant to get access transsexual type treatment (HRT & SRS). So the bottom-line is here honey is that I AM MORE FEMALE THAN MOST!


what is the big deal about having your photo even shown. After all isn't the idea to blend in and not stand out. I understand others who want to show there photos especially CD's since they do not get to dress as much as they would like. so an image is important to many. However it should not be to a real "true TS woman". Isn't that what mirrors are for, looking at your self LOL. Unless of course you think of your self as a model to be held above all other woman to be admired etc.
What a load of nonsense.... why I think its a good idea to have a separate gallery has nothing to do with this at all - its about sharing the visual aspect of our transitioning with our brothers & sisters & also to help get to know one & other better and also to show others what they can expect in transitioning. It also helps others with self-esteem issues - just take Alexia for example who was recently suffered major insecurity issues about her own personal image. But I bet it helped her to realise & accept that she was very feminine when she also seen photos of other transsexuals who were older and less attractive but still had a unique beauty about them & were very happy & content & confident within themselves. I also notice you dont have any photos here, so just because you dont like to post your images, this doesnt mean that others dont like to share theirs with others in the transsexual community.



99% my thinking is that we all started as CD's and later became TS after we found ourselves and accepted and understood that something inside us was different then how our bodies looked. It was never about the clothes for a TRUE TRANSSEXUAL RIGHT. So why would you talk about CD's that way. I was one until I realized that I was using the wrong classifacation as per my counselor. Oh I also think that many who say they are TS are really CD's.
You are wrong - I have never identified myself as a cross-dresser & never will, if I post my photos here I dont want to be judged & mislabelled by others as a 'cross-dresser' because I know for a fact that I dont suffer from 'transvestic fetishism' which is what cross-dressing is really more about.


Basiclly I think all the labels, photos, are cries to express what people think they want. But TS woman know what they want and need.
It is a forum like this that lets all talk and learn. Seperation is exactly what most of us don't want. Yes TS have other things to talk about besides the clothes. . So maybe just maybe others may see them self and say I may need to evaluate myself as to what I want in life. Photo's for TS woman only what a laugh. Compasion for others is more what is needed. Support for others. Especially from Ts woman who have already been throught it and can help others. OH and lets not forget about the Female to Male group either who also need our support.
Sorry everyone about this but I just had to say what I felt.
I have addressed this at the very beginning of this reply, my idea will bring the transsexual community together as a group, both FtM & MtF. - You argument here is moot!

[Frances]

I thought we had a picture gallery in the Safe Haven?

[Melody Moore]

I thought we had a picture gallery in the Safe Haven?
I would really like to know where it is in the Safe Haven because to the best of my knowledge there isnt one.... and did you miss the point I also made that our FtM brothers and other transsexuals who dont have membership with that group dont have access cant access it anyway? My suggestion about this gallery is about uniting the transsexual community, not creating more segregation.

[Sarah Michelle]

There are clearly some deeply held emotional positions here. My only comment is one that has been put forward already. Where do I fall on the continuum? I dress in women's clothing with all of the available regalia because it is how I am most comfortable. I hide it because it is a dramatic acknowledgment to have to make public. I get absolutely no sexual arousal from dressing. It is the state that is most "natural" for the inner me. At 50 plus years, I am unlikely to go further than dressing with as much attention to detail as I can and seeking opportunities to go out. Although given my history, there is probably cause to explore transitioning, if I were younger.
I came to love this forum because of the wide variety of points-of-view and perspectives. I don't agree with all of them and I have had my eyes opened and my own bias altered a couple of times. I don't want to be lumped in with those who have a sexual fetish, I won't be able to fully relate. I can't be grouped with transsexuals, I would feel like a fraud trying to fit in there.

So when you segregate, where do I fit? This feels like an argument between parents who are separating. I fear the outcome, the loss of a secure place, the new life bouncing between two different places, neither of which is mine.
Did I mention how neurotic I am? Yeah, really.

[aggi123]

why do you have regrets about being part of the crossdressers group on a website called crossdressers.com?

[Melody Moore]

So when you segregate, where do I fit?
That is something you have to try and work out yourself and identify accordingly and hopefully you are seeing a psychologist to help you sort those issues out. I dont think it should be up to us to determine where you fit in here.


why do you have regrets about being part of the crossdressers group on a website called crossdressers.com?
The name of this forum has absolutely no relevance to why I joined it - I accept that cross-dressers are a big part of the transgendered community. I joined this site to specifically take an interest & to engage in topics of discussion relating only to transsexualism such as genetic & psychological issues as well as HRT & SRS etc. How many posts have I made on the MtF crossdressing section? Ive only posted photos and contributed nothing else. My regrets are about posting photos in a section that I realised later was predominately more about Cross-dressing - I want to identify with the entire transsexual community - both MtF & FtM.

[Frances]

I would really like to know where it is in the Safe Haven because to the best of my knowledge there isnt one.

It's here: http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?104365-Our-own-picture-thread..

It's funny though, I used to look eerily like a cross-dresser before.

You could simply start a thread in the open section, I'll post my picture. (I used to have lots of photos in my albums, and I could post some of them in the thread.)

[Melody Moore]

I really cant see why the administration cant set up a specific gallery here that can be used by both MtF & FtM Transsexuals.... because as I said... I want to also get to know our transsexual brothers as well. I really cant understand why the public trans-men forum is also separate to this transsexual forum - Where is the pubic Trans-women forum? So what would be so wrong with a public uni-sex transsexual forum that encompasses both Trans-Male & Trans-female sections while each gender still maintains their own respective private forums & also sharing a common Transsexual Photo & Video gallery? We can all start our own threads there instead of your images getting lost in the 50 or so pages of that one single forum thread (http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?104365-Our-own-picture-thread) that is already there in the Safe Haven - I really believe this would bring the entire transsexual community much closer together & allow us to get to know each other better.

[Pythos]

Melody,

I often get accused here of being thoughtless, rude, non-thinking and so on.

I have simply stated things as I have been brought up. Until I found this site I had little to no idea there were women that wanted to be men. The idea still baffles me, but I am now aware of them, and am learning.

I do not think they are doing this for perverted or fetishistic reasons. At the same time I do not do what I do for purely fetishistic reasons. I do it for reasons I cannot clearly define aside from, I like the feel, and look of the clothing.

Now, you post, yet another asking for separation, was filled with sheer rudeness, and unthinking. What defines a "true transexual" in the eyes of the public any person that does something outside of their established social norms are transexuals.

There are those that think I am gay or a transexual because I predominately choose to wear leggings opposed to jeans everyday.

Saying that CDers do what they do for fetishistic reasons is very judgmental and prejudiced. I need to ask, why is this even a factor. What the heck does it matter why someone dresses in the clothing they do?

Women wear some items of clothing becuase they feel "sexy". But that is okay for women isn't it. It is not perverted, or fetish related is it? But if a guy slips on a pair of nice hose, or even laces up a corset he is imediately a pervert, or sicko, or something degrading, isn't he? Why is that? I know of women that like to wear such stuff, FOR THEMSELVES, not for a man, not even for a woman, but because they themselves like them. Are they doing it for "fetishistic reasons?

There is enough separation on this forum. I personally think all groups here should post in the picture gallery provided here, that will allow more exposure for all. I have yet to see a transman to post in the gallery. Why separate?

It helps no one.

[Kelly DeWinter]

I don't think there is much that we do share in common with your average typical cross-dresser who dresses for a fetish based reason & sometimes even ****ty. Sorry if that comment offends other on this site but this is how I really feel!


MelodyN, I hope you don't mind that I do find that comment particulary offensive. There are a large number of typical crossdressers on this site far outnumber the fetish oriented. If you look back at the past posts, you can recognize the fetish/****ty oriented people. They tend to create an id, post some of the most outlandish questions and photos, then dissapear aft a time, never to post again. The average typical crossdresser posts positive informative and affirming posts,threads and photos. A number of Transsexuals may start off as identifying as crossdresser's, then migrate slow or fast or not at all to identifying as TS. The issue is that of the whole TG Pie (I preferr apple) has so many slices, that are defined in so many ways, that your sugesttion will certinaly not please everyone and most likely upset people. How many catogories would you suggest ?

Kelly

[Brooke Smith]

I don't like to divide, and I think the last thing this board needs is another subforum. I also have a problem with excluding CD's because I used to identify as a CD. More than a few of us did, and there are people on this board right now who currently identify as CD's who are actually TS.

Basically, I'm agin it!

Amen!

[Nigella]

Instead of trying to segregate one part of the community from another, we should be looking at bringing them closer together. We certainly don't need a separate picture gallery to get to know someone better. If you only want to "know" the "True TS" section of the community, please spend your time in safe haven. I think I would be able to speak for the majority of the TS membership when I say such an attitude as yours has no place on a forum that is primarily a support forum for the whole of the Transgendered Community, no matter where they feel they fit on the spectrum. :angry:

Please note my signature, this post is from Nigella, the forum member and does not reflect a response from the moderation team.

[Holly]

Instead of trying to segregate one part of the community from another, we should be looking at bringing them closer together. ...:clap:

[CharleneT]

I'm not sure I see this idea as a way of attempting to separate folks ... but I don't think we need a separate forum for pictures either. As Julie said we can post in most of the other picture forums, and we have some nice long threads of pictures already here and in SH. Why have another forum ? The only reason that really seems viable (to me) is that way there could be a wider range of discussion that was apparent(active?) at any moment. This being the main diff between a sticky thread and a forum. Some stickies do become "too long". Still, at least up to now, the TS folks tend to be fairly quiet - look at how long threads stay in the first page of parts of SH for example. I'm not sure we have enough "traffic" to warrant a forum just for our photos.

As for the discussion of sexual fantasies and CD's and who's a TS and who is not ... that is a hot potato I will not catch :Peace:

[Kaitlyn Michele]

Melody

Saying things like you cannot "claim" to be transsexual unless you are "diagnosed" is about as clueless a thing i have read here in a long time, and it underlines why people are having trouble with how your expressing your benign idea to add a photo forum.

reading your posts, I see a person trying very hard to be the most transsexual of all, and at best its quite unbecoming, at worst, it hints you are trying to convince yourself of something by convincing others.

[Melody Moore]

Melody

Saying things like you cannot "claim" to be transsexual unless you are "diagnosed" is about as clueless a thing i have read here in a long time, and it underlines why people are having trouble with how your expressing your benign idea to add a photo forum.

reading your posts, I see a person trying very hard to be the most transsexual of all, and at best its quite unbecoming, at worst, it hints you are trying to convince yourself of something by convincing others.

What a load of nonsense LOL

I understand that Transsexualism is gender dysphoria which was just one of my symptoms that something was wrong with me & have been diagnosed with.

I dont need to convince myself about anything... because I already had female breasts which actually lactated once during a phantom pregnancy long before HRT and scar tissue & a labia on the scrotum which doctors have now identified is the remnants of my female genitals, I dont need to convince myself of the fact Im intersexed & now a 'transsexual' to correct my gender problem. End of story. LOL

[Fraye]

At some point, you'd think you would just drop the shovel...

[Melody Moore]

At some point, you'd think you would just drop the shovel...
Why? when is all Im doing is standing up for what I believe in? and if you have an issue with that, then I see that as your problem - not mine. :)

[MiraM]

What is a 'true transsexual'?.... someone who has been medically diagnosed as having Gender Dysphoria is a true transsexual if you are not diagnosed, then you cannot claim to be a transsexual. Cross-dressing on the other hand is most often 'transvestic fetishism' and is a completely different condition which may also occur with transsexualism.


What a load of rubish! So there is no such thing as a Transsexual that has not been diagnosed by a doctor? BS! I know people personally that identify as MtF or FtM that have not had an 'official' diagnoses. Some of them are just starting therapy, and their therapist has not made the diagnoses yet. Others have not sought out medical treatment for one reason or another, but still identify as Transsexual. They are just as much TS as you, but by your logic, they are just some perverted CD and not a 'true transsexual'.

And being diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria does not make one a Transsexual. I have been diagnosed by several doctors as having Gender Dysphoria/Gender Identity Disorder. I do not identify as Transsexual, and do not consider myself to be a woman. I am also Gay and have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, bi-polar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. I don't CD for sexual or fetish reasons. I do it because it makes me feel comfortable and in tune with my entire self, and it has a calming effect. In drab, I am the uber-masculine, gay biker dude in the leather jacket, and in drag I am the complete opposite. It has nothing to do with sex or fetishism. I'm just a psycho fag in a dress. Kind of flushes your definitions of the 'true transsexual' and 'most crossdressers' down the crapper.

I too find your generalisations of the CD's on this site to be rather offensive.

[Melody Moore]

I too find your generalisations of the CD's on this site to be rather offensive.
Well I apologise

[Byanca]

What is a 'true transsexual'?.... someone who has been medically diagnosed as having Gender Dysphoria is a true transsexual if you are not diagnosed, then you cannot claim to be a transsexual.
Transsexual isn't a medical diagnose, but considered to be a mental disorder. The only reason I would want to be diagnosed was to get treatment. Outside of that I would not associate with the diagnosis, as I think it's wrong, as it's not a mental disorder imo, for most.

[Fraye]

Why? when is all Im doing is standing up for what I believe in? and if you have an issue with that, then I see that as your problem - not mine. :)

Frankly, I couldn't care less about what you think is "my problem".

Here's the thing. In the guise of "standing up for what you believe in", you've managed to:

1. Claim you're more of a woman then others here, because you have some vestigal woman bits. By this logic, that means that every person here born with complete "woman bits" is more of a woman then you. Which only feeds into the exact gender stereotype that people in the outside world use to harass, demean, and dismiss all of us here. Good job.

2. Claim that all crossdressers do it only for fetishistic and generally sexual reasons. Which, again, is something that the people who fundamentally do not understand about this community use to marginalize that community.

3. Claim that only people who have been officially "diagnosed" by a mental health professional are transsexuals, and that everyone else is either a) not a "true" transsexual, or b) a self-denying crossdresser. Which again, is only perpetuating the worst stereotypes and myths that the outside world has about this community as a whole.

I mean, with friends like these, who needs enemies?

So, by all means, if these are the things you believe in and want to stand up for, that is of course, your right. If perpetuating the stereotypes and generalizations that marginalize and demean the very people this community was founded to help is what you want to stand up for, by all means do so. We all have a voice and a right to use it. But those of us who vehemently disagree with your position, and cannot see why you persist in promoting such negativity also have the right to wonder why you want to espouse and defend such unpopular and hurtful ideas.

[sandra-leigh]

What is a 'true transsexual'?.... someone who has been medically diagnosed as having Gender Dysphoria is a true transsexual if you are not diagnosed, then you cannot claim to be a transsexual. Cross-dressing on the other hand is most often 'transvestic fetishism' and is a completely different condition which may also occur with transsexualism.

[...]If you are somewhere in between being a cross-dresser & transsexual & trying to work out where you are in the transgender spectrum, then I believe the much more appropriate label would be 'transgendered' - not transsexual. because these transgendered individuals have not been properly diagnosed with Gender Dysphoria


What do you require as proof? Posted images of letters from a therapist / psychiatrist but with the legal names whited out? I'm sure my therapist would be willing to put a diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria into writing, if I bothered to ask her; she has already actively recommended HRT to me, which is unusual for her therapy methods.

But do keep in mind that gender is not a binary, so my particular Dysphoria does not happen to lead me to hate my male parts. In the Benjamin classifications and some of the other active categorizations, that fact combined with discernable dysphoria leaves open only that same classification of "transvestic fetishism" that you seek to distance yourself from. If a MTF is more or less at peace with their body parts as a fact of existence, then no matter what else is going on in their mind, the TV Fetishism label gets slapped on. Are you sure that you want to draw the line in the sand at that particular point, that anyone who is not chomping at the SRS bit is not to be considered a "true transsexual" ?

[Frances]

This thread reminds me of a lot stuff I hear in support groups and associations. I will go check out Susans now.

[My Lady Marsea]

OMG there is like such a never ending layer of tiers or levels in this T-Girl world. I for one an amazed how we all sorta assign ourselves a category so here is my suggestion. Why not have a small color flag or icon that could be assigned to all the "categories" we think we have in this world (IE: CD-TG-TS-TV-Drag Queen-and on & on), a different color for different category. Then like in your profile settings you choose the color that you align with. Then after any posts or wutever that you make the little color flag or wutever would show with your avatar and it a done deal. That way we all still post as one happy family, but we like know who we are related to. I would only hope that we would not be considered racist because of our chosen category color.

[aggi123]

I was/am offended by the sheer notion that I'm a fetishistic degenerate that doesn't belong in this section because I havn't been diagnosed with anything. I generally just read because I havn't begun any semblance of a transitional process. I USED to think I was a crossdresser, but this website has helped me realize that I'm more than that.

I feel victimized just reading this thread.

[Rianna Humble]

Instead of trying to segregate one part of the community from another, we should be looking at bringing them closer together.
...
I think I would be able to speak for the majority of the TS membership when I say such an attitude as yours has no place on a forum that is primarily a support forum for the whole of the Transgendered Community, no matter where they feel they fit on the spectrum. :angry:

:thumbsup: :yt: :iagree::yrtw:

[Bree-asaurus]

IDK. That would suggest a segregation that may not be healthy for the site as a whole. However, most of us know first hand that CD and T-folk seem to have a different focus on things although we have many similarities. Understanding that differences exist and that it's okay to have the differences is one thing. Doing something that segregates the site is something different. There are already several 'special purpose' sections on the forum where you must be a specific member of in order to see them. I think (imo) that those special purpose sectioons provide enough seperation without the appearence of segregation.
But, IDK. I just question if it's a good and healthy thing for the site as a whole.

I don't see anything wrong with it. It's no different than having a crossdressing forum AND a transexual forum. It's already broken down into groups. The point isn't to segregate people, but to allow people to find the information they are looking for and share with people in similar situations. (and it is JUST under MALE TO FEMALE CROSSDRESSING right now, which means it's not technically for FTMs or people who don't consider themselves crossdressers anyway)

[Melody Moore]

I don't see anything wrong with it. It's no different than having a crossdressing forum AND a transexual forum. It's already broken down into groups. The point isn't to segregate people, but to allow people to find the information they are looking for and share with people in similar situations. (and it is JUST under MALE TO FEMALE CROSSDRESSING right now, which means it's not technically for FTMs or people who don't consider themselves crossdressers anyway)

Thanks Bree its good to see that someone here has enough intelligence & common sense to see through any personal issues that have been dragged
up & see my real agenda for even making this suggestion - my aim here is to unite the transsexual community & not divide it like it already is.

Im also an active member of the Australian Transsexual Support Network (http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/atsn/)& I also live with the founder & site administrator of our local transsexual support group (http://www.transgender.org.au/) and I can tell you now that there is far more unity in Australian TS Support Groups than I see in US Transsexual support networks.

I also know that the management of transsexualism in Australia is far better than services in the USA and from what I am hearing around this community it's only going to get worse in the US if the TS Community there doesn't unite - http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?141636-DSVM-being-re-written

I think some people here should read some of my posts on that thread before passing any further judgement about me or what I am really trying to achieve here.


I know that here in Australia they are obviously doing a lot more about intersexuality & transsexualism than in the US because I have recently been invited to contribute data about my own intersexual condition to a public forum that is about to take place in Sydney & Melbourne with the view of improving our anti-discrimination laws & services for intersexual & transsexual individuals. I personally think this can only improve our situation even more and give us better access to services. Already our country has some of the best anti-discrimination laws & medical services for transgendered people which it already widely recognises - I already get access to free doctors & psychologist & subsided HRT medications, but I think this latest forum will finally convince our government there is also a need for government funded or subsided FFS & SRS. I think our system of diagnoses & management can also serve as a model to the US and other nations who are still in the dark ages with intersexuality & transsexualism as medical conditions & prove that it has been severely mis-managed. I really dont know how they can re-write the DSVM to be effective in the management of such medical conditions without proper consultation of the transgendered community. But keep your eyes on Australia with regards to what is happening in this area of medical science.

[CharleneT]

Now would be a good time for everyone to take a break, drink a cuppa (whatevershootsyourwhistle) and relax . . .

Support group ... right ? !!!

:Peace:

[Fraye]

its good to see that someone here has enough intelligence & common sense to see through any personal issues that have been dragged
up...

Awesome. So now anyone who has called you to task on how offensive your comments have been lacks intelligence, common sense, and is obviously only disagreeing because of personal issues.

You're quite something, that's for sure.

[Kelly DeWinter]

Melody,

It's not WHAT you asked for, that opened such a hornets nest, it's was that little slap at the Crossdressing community that you put in towards the end ( I see that you have edited the original post and taken it out.). As usual with these little flareups, you may have to take a few verbal lumps until things die down. Lord knows I've put my high heels in my mouth a time or three. I've found it best to offer a sincere apology, wait for thing to die down, then continue with life.

Kelly

[GaleWarning]

Thanks Bree its good to see that someone here has enough intelligence & common sense to see through any personal issues that have been dragged
up & see my real agenda for even making this suggestion - my aim here is to unite the transsexual community & not divide it like it already is.

Im also an active member of the Australian Transsexual Support Network (http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/atsn/)& I also live with the founder & site administrator of our local transsexual support group (http://www.transgender.org.au/) and I can tell you now that there is far more unity in Australian TS Support Groups than I see in US Transsexual support networks.

I also know that the management of transsexualism in Australia is far better than services in the USA and from what I am hearing around this community it's only going to get worse in the US if the TS Community there doesn't unite - http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?141636-DSVM-being-re-written

I think some people here should read some of my posts on that thread before passing any further judgement about me or what I am really trying to achieve here.

As a NZer, I am once again awe-struck by that marvellous Aussie arrogance!

And by the obvious lack of success my fellow member of CD.com is having in achieving that lofty ideal of uniting the TS community on this forum.

Melody, you have a lovely cyber name. May I suggest you listen to a song by John Lennon?

To paraphrase ... "Imagine there's no labels ... I wonder if you can? ... "

Oh, and Nigella makes a good point, too.

:thumbsup:

[Tamara Croft]

No, end of discussion and next time, don't be so rude about CD's on this board :rolleyes: