One way

[DonnaT]

One way to explain our being transgendered (umbrella term for CD/TV/TS/etc.) which helped my wife digest my CDing was by providing articles supporting the theory that genes and hormones effect our gender identity while in utero.

See http://www.tgcrossroads.org/news/archive.asp?aid=770
http://www.learner.org/channel/courses/biology/units/gender/experts/vilain.html
http://www.physci.ucla.edu/html/arnold.htm
http://www.hemingways.org/GIDinfo/research.htm
http://www.transgendercare.com/guidance/what_is_gender.htm

I used articles like these to show my wife that we are born transgendered. That there is no cure, either physically or psychologically, because it is not a physical or mental illness.

First I explained about the effects of genes and hormones on the brain and body (intersexed), because whe wouldn't read the articles. Then I simply left the printed articles for her to read, telling her what they were about and how they supported what I told her.

Luckily, she was convinced with of my explanations in view of the studies. She still does not like it, but knows I can't quit and there is no cure.

When telling your SO, parents, grandparents, friends, YMMV (your mileage may vary).

[Carroll]

Donna, Those are great links. Thank you for sharing them with us

Carroll

[Dominique Melt]

Donna,

Good show! These articles are probably just the tip of the iceberg. Hopefully, a greater awareness will develop in the general poopulation with regards to gender and sexuality. But I fear it will remain an uphill battle for some time to come.
I am happy to hear that you are approaching you SO with this and that things may settle in a way you find acceptable.

BTW:
while in vitro.
Do you mean in utero?

[DonnaT]

Right.

Also see The Fruit Fly (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/03/science/03cell.html?ex=1275451200&en=ab3fa239e94d393c&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss)

[Karren H]

Funny, my wife told me that I couldn't quite if I wanted to, after she found out last year. And even though there is no cure and she understands what's going on, still doesn't mean she has to like, accept, participate in my hobby....

Love Karren

[Calliope]

Wow - that photo of the finch - a thousand words or better. My head is spinning. It's like I've seen that bird before - very dreamlike.

[vbcdgrl]

I tend to go along with this "it's in your genes" theory. Although, I think enviornmental factors might help push someone "over the hill" at a young age. I think my mom really wanted a girl, I have one picture where I'm actually dressed in a frilly kind of gown thing. This was in the mid 40s, right after the war. I was only a year or so old. I was told later that it was a "fad" to dress your infant in frilly garb at that time, M or F.
Anyway, I've got incurable CD-itis, what a way to go!

Vikki

[Jasmine Ellis]

great links thanks