Exploring the Third Gender

[bryan (imported)]

In a recent post by The Fraj (http://www.eunuch.org/vbulletin/showpos ... stcount=19), he says: 'After a lot of talking, finally, I know exactly what I am; what a few here may be perhaps. Neither and both at the same time. We might very well be the Third Gender; the thin line between Yin and Yang. Not easily classifiable in terms of behaviour.'

That's an intriguing thought: Third Gender. Could we explore that notion in this thread? Many posts at EA describe the physical effects of castration, but what are the INTERNAL changes wrought by having no T? (So we're talking about non-HRT eunuchs.) Can we discover any common internal changes/traits?

To get things rolling, here are unexpected changes I noticed post-castration:

- Increased concern about appearance (this tickles my wife!)

- Increased empathy/compassion, with tears to back it up

- Deeper emotions

- Ability to hug my 5yo son in times of distress like a mommy would

- Increased disdain for violence/war

What sort of internal changes surprised you?

[sag111 (imported)]

I think for me its been the way i feel about others and how much more love i have for people i dont even know.I used to be afraid to drive anywhere but now i can drive anywhere i want with out getting upset or afraid i might get lost or some other dumb thing.I just have so much more confidance then i ever had i just wish i could have felt this way earlier in my life but thats ok i feel so much better about others and myself i will take what was given me

[Paolo]

Ability to hug my 5yo son in times of distress like a mommy would.

I don't quite understand why this one was a problem before castration.

[bryan (imported)]

I don't quite understand why this one was a problem before castration.

Hi Paolo,

Formerly when my son would hurt himself, I'd approach and ask, 'Here let me hold you.' If he didn't reach out, he didn't get picked up. Now, he doesn't get a choice -- I scoop him up.

There was also a tearful time in church where I was the one in distress, and I held him for dear life.

[Riverwind (imported)]

I understand the hugging the child.

When any of my kids were hurt,

Mom would hold them while she comforted them etc.

Dad, (me) I would question them to determine how hurt they were.

Today I would react just like mom does.

I was just as concerned as before the difference was the approach.

River

[plix (imported)]

When you say non-HRT, do you mean non E too?

[bryan (imported)]

When you say non-HRT, do you mean non E too?

Hi Plix,

We can include folks on E. Otherwise, the sample size will be too small, I'm afraid. In either case, it will illuminating to see what personality traits are governed by hormones (or the lack thereof).

Besides, this will be a good way to get to know everyone better.

[thefraj (imported)]

I understand exactly what you're getting at Bryan,

After breakfast I was hanging out our washing, it was quite early and the sun was brilliant. Which was odd - considering the country I'm in! I just remember the deep green of the grass, seeing the wonderous colours of the flowers, and seeing two children playing happily, noisily and carefree in the street. There was just such a feeling of peace and contentment. It's a level of happiness I think I've seldom known on male hormones (or with testicles).

Like Bryan said, it's increased sense emotions and sense of compassion (which would also explain the wonderful caring nature of the people here!)

I think it would be interesting to take a poll of eunuchs who support/deplore the war on Iraq. I think you'd probably find most eunuchs (compared with men) would find the murder of women and children and destruction of homes far too stomach-churning to justify any supposed idiological goal/war on terrorism/weapons of mass destruction/war on a single dictator (or whatever they're ever-changing justification happens to be!). Maybe the same would be true of women?

I appreciate this is a divisive issue, and apologise, feel free to chew me out if you dissagree, (please keep it off this thread though) and please be nice!

I can totally agree with the appearence issues. I'm much more concerned with how others see me, and more concious of how I appear since castration. Just like women I guess.

But I do adore the new me. Something I've felt all my life, but testosterone (not estrogen) does tend to sheild from all emotions, both the ups and the downs - which may go some way to explaining why many eunuchs have trouble dealing with depression.

And it would also explain why men seem more bold and clinical/scientific about things. And why eunuchs and women tend to be more artistic/humanist, because they are in closer contact with human (and mother!) nature.

[Paolo]

I'll spare you all the lecture, then, on insensitive-asshole-men who don't deserve the children they fathered.

I just verbally tore one up tonight and I'm giving serious consideration to sicking the lawyer on him next.

Of course, when he reads the microscopic print on the photo agreement form - after he signs it - it'll be too late anyway.

[plix (imported)]

I've experienced much of what has already been shared.

Emotions certainly come easier, and they're not as stable as they once were. One day I'm depressed and wanting to kill myself, and the next I'm happier than I could ever hope for.

The senses in general have become more intense. This includes sight, smell, taste, and touch. Colors are brighter, and foods taste better. I find I'm now more willing to sit down and take things slow with eating. Before I just rushed through eating even the sweetest foods without giving it much thought, but now I find myself wanting to take my time and actually enjoy the food.

When I'm outside I take more time to appreciate the beauty of the environment around me. Sometimes just notcing how crisply blue the sky is is enough to kick me right out of a depression. The green of trees and mixture of the flowers is also something I can't ignore. I often find myself looking at a scene and thinking "wow, this is beautiful". I rarely did that before.

When I'm not depressed I can actually feel quite calm and content.