Elizabeth (imported) wrote: Sun Jan 04, 2009 11:53 pm
Being a MtF pre-op transsexual who is not on hormones, and an existentialist, I believe that everyone has a right to be who or what they want to be. But having said that, we don't have to die to do that.
Yes, society makes it hard to things that violate the religious beliefs of the majority. Notice it's no problem if one wants to hack their face up, such as Michael Jackson, but if one says they don't want their genitals and suddenly they need their head examined.
The reason I am not on hormones is because I am disabled on Social Security and I can not afford a gender therapist, that would have to approve it. Social Security also won't pay for the hormones or the doctors care and supervision that is required to be on hormones. There is no rational reason this should not be included in my medical care, but that is how it is.
Now I could buy hormones over the internet and there are lots of places that will even tell you how much to take. But the deal is this. The endocrinological system of the body is very delicate and differs greatly from person to person. What is right for one person can kill another. And every year many who do this die from heart attack and strokes brought on by trying to do hormones without the doctors care.
Now if the idea is to be happy? Being dead does not seem very happy to me. So on the transsexual forums I am a member of, as well as the one I help moderate, information on self medicating is not allowed. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be on hormones or being castrated. I think people are pretty good at knowing what makes them happy. But there are ways to do it without dying and when there is not a way to do it, such as in my case, I will keep searching for a way. A chance to live as I wish is worth trying to get because the only other alternative is to die.
Sure, we need to talk about castration and yes we need to talk about our fantasies of what we would like to become and how. But that is why fantasies are fantasies. Not all fantasies can come true. And the ones that require people to die? ........Are in that category. If one is really ready to die for one fantasy, I think it's ok if we say "hey, something's wrong".
I have considered self castration many times. Sometimes it seems like that is the only way it will ever happen. But a lot of things can and do go wrong. All the stories I have read that were supposedly actual accounts, it seems the person always ends up in the hospital. This is not uncommon among transsexuals.
I believe the line is "life threatening". When one pierces or tattoo's or splits their tongue or penis, there is a risk of infection. But these are easily treatable and they really are not life threatening. But the reproductive organs are so important to evolution that removing them is life threatening. One can bleed to death.
So whenever anyone puts their own life or anyone elses in jeopardy, it's not ok. All health care professionals are required to report such things and it's irresponsible not to, in my personal opinion. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be an eunuch and there is nothing wrong with fantasizing different scenarios. But I don't agree that self harm does or should play a role in these discussions.
Now, before the arrows fly, this is just my opinion. If you want to change it, then show me why I am wrong.
Elizabeth
