Stephie & others who do not agree with the validity in using AGP as an explanation for gender reassignment, I agree with you!
Yes, Blanchard is under much criticism because of the narrowness of his study, which attributes purely sexual motives for TSs who wish to transition: according to Blanchard, they are either homosexual or they are paraphilic, which to make matters worse is classified as a mental illness! I agree that Blanchard missed the boat entirely, since he doesn't seem to consider the very reason TSs do seek gender reassignment: basic gender dysphoria.
BUT ... the term, as ill-applied as it is in explaining motives for transition, does describe a phenomena that is alive and well within the TG community: the fetish aspect to the crossdressing.
How many threads have we had here where TGs have said that nothing can compare with the sexual gratification derived over the CDing, not even being with a partner? This does describe a paraphilia, which is defined as a sexual arousal to objects or situations that, if severe enough, may prevent or hinder one's ability to give and receive reciprocal human love ... in other words, someone who cannot have a healthy sexual relationship with a partner because the partner cannot compare to the sexual thrill derived from the CDing. Whether this should be classified as a mental illness is beside the point, really, when the issue is more about mending relationships that have deteriorated because of the AGP.
:2c:
