CMV: Transgenderism is a mental disorder

The post has a few distillable main points that can be addressed below.

  1. Sex is both unchangeable and equal to gender.

Google defines "the state of being male or female (typically used with reference to social and cultural differences rather than biological ones)." This explicitly calls out a distinction between biology (sex) and nonbiological divides.

Wikipedia defines gender as "the range of characteristics pertaining to, and differentiating between and from masculinity and femininity. Depending on the context, these characteristics may include biological sex (i.e. the state of being male, female or intersex), sex-based social structures (including gender roles and other social roles), or gender identity." This also distinguishes biological sex from gender, and identifies biological sex as a component of gender.

If we rely on authoritative, expert, widely accepted definitions of gender and sex, it is clear that gender is neither unchangeable nor equal to gender.

  1. Transgenderism is a delusion

Delusion is defined as "an idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality or rational argument, typically a symptom of mental disorder."

It seems that the original post relies on "Biological reality" as a basis for determining what is delusional and what is not. So let's take a look at the biological reality. Research has identified brain structure similarities between trans individuals and their identified gender (not their biological sex)1, and genetic differences causing reduced androgen function2. Thus, transgenderism does have a basis in biological reality and is not simply a delusion.

Additionally, if we look at "general acceptance" from a social perspective, the law in many jurisdictions acknowledges and protects gender expression and gender identity as a right, and we are in a period of change for the rights and protections of transgender people. Many states have passed individual protections for transgender people (some have done the opposite, unfortunately). Recently, The U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice recently issued guidance protecting gender identity in response. Internationally, many countries recognize third gender or gender identity/expression as protected as well.

It would be more accurate to say that the social climate is developing, rather than saying that trans people are delusional from a social standpoint. Again, the general consensus of the medical and scientific community is ahead of the legal community.

  1. Changing your genitals is not the solution.

This point has somewhat more merit than the previous two. It's still wrong, but there is some nuance to be explained. Treating gender dysphoria does not begin with instantaneous genital surgery. It starts with therapy (mainly to counteract potential extreme response from certain societal hatred and transphobia) and does not advance unless medically necessary. Hormone replacement therapy is another treatment step that does not necessitate genital surgery. Many trans people do not opt for sexual reassignment surgery. However, there are cases where genital surgery is approved by qualified medical professionals as an effective treatment for gender dysphoria. The idea is changing genitals is not the solution is true in the sense that for many transgender individuals, they do not require surgery. However, the idea that changing genitalia is never the solution is refuted by American Medical Association (AMA), WPATH, the National Health Service in Britain, and the American Psychological Association.

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