I attend National Community Church in Washington DC. The church is starting a series entitled "Battle of the Sexes" talking about sex and gender roles. My church is a little unique. They have some tremendously dedicated people working for them, and a commitment to reaching people for God "in the middle of the marketplace." What this looks like in practice is seven services in three locations, all Metro-accessible. Two of the services are on Saturday night at the Church-operated coffee house on Capitol Hill, Ebenezer's ("Coffee with a Cause"). So, I attended tonight's service not sure what to expect. Obviously, I've been thinking a lot about sex and gender roles recently, and I was someone wondering if I might come away a bit upset with something the pastor had to say tonight.
I knew ahead of time from checking the Pastor's latest blog post that the sermon would focus on Genesis 1:27 (copycat ;-) ). In a message designed to set the tone for the coming series, Pastor Mark scoped the issue pretty well. He acknowledge off the bat that there is a continuum when it relates to gender, but that he would be focusing mainly on norms and tendencies. With occasional strange facts from biology and neurology thrown in ("women have 40% more neurons in the corpus callosum than men"), the sermon enumerated a lot of the differences between men and women as a population. It ended with a call to be better men or women after God's own heart. It was a sermon for general consumption, so the statistical outliers like transgendered, hermaphrodites, etc. were ignored. That's okay by me. It was refreshing to be reminded of, and focus on the mean in the male bell curve and female bell curve.
Of course, it does leave me to wonder, will the church ever talk about the "outliers" if not forced to do so by circumstances? I understand it is a tricky thing to talk about, but I'm sure a much more sane conversation could be had in the absence of an immediate conflict. I agree that the church needs to talk about the differences between men and women. We don't talk about that enough, and it does matter. I guess I could say in general, The Church needs to spend more time talking about the issues it talks about least.
If you are interested in hearing the sermon, it should be made available in audio and video form later this week at the church's website.
I learned from taking Abnormal Psych that if you focus too much on abnormalities, everyone seems crazy. Of course, the same can be said of looking only at the statistically normal people. After all, statistically speaking, the average human being has one developed breast and one testicle.
Showing posts with label gender identity disorder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gender identity disorder. Show all posts
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
A Bit of Levity - What's In a Name?
I feel like this blog could use a bit of levity amidst the theological discussion, legal stuff, and small town politics. So, here's the deal: My wife and I are expecting a baby in September. While we can deal with the confusion of my Dad's identity, we don't expect our little one to get it right away. To help avoid confusion, we thought we'd come up with some name other than "grandma" or "grandpa" that our child can call Julie. My Dad isn't quite like a normal grandma, and certainly won't be a normal grandpa (though that is the position Julie will occupy on the family tree). So, I'm thinking that a different name might help to solve the semanitic issues. The only problem is, I have no idea what a good name might be. So, I'm throwing it open to you guys. Please give your best ideas in the comments.
Thursday, February 8, 2007
The Legal Side of Things
There are many ways to look at my Father's situation with Spring Arbor University. Among these are: moral/ethical; theological; economic; cultural; political; and legal. I've touched on a few of the other areas, but I wanted to say something about the legal side of things. I am not a lawyer, obviously, but I live in DC, so I get some legal-mindedness by osmosis. There are a number of freedoms from the Bill of Rights and EEO laws that enter the discussion here: Freedom of Speech (and expression); Freedom of Religion; Freedom of the Press; and Freedom from discrimination on the basis of sex, race, or creed (I'm sure I'm missing some there). The Bill of Rights offers protections first to individuals - "the People." The freedoms apply not only to individuals, but organizations as well, though some restrictions are placed on organizations. We'd hardly want to trade the tyranny of government for tyranny of some other organization, so the Bill of Rights protects the rights of each individual over those of organizations except in certain circumstances as defined by law. SAU could have claimed those exemptions if they were primarily a religious institution or owned by a religious institution, or if they had a "BFOQ" (Bonafide Occupational Qualification). I don't think they've satisfied either condition, but as I said, I'm no lawyer. If you want to know what a lawyer has to say about all of this, check out this blog on my father's claim.
Of course, I'm not the only one with a legal opinion. A Conservative blogger at HumanEvents.com claims that if my father's claim is upheld it would "be a serious blow to freedoms of religion and association." He seems misinformed in some areas, often confusing "sex" and "gender" and resorts to hyperbole to try and prove his point. I don't know if I should even take this blogger seriously, but their claims that upholding my Father's claim would harm freedom of religion and association seem to turn the situation on its head. The University forced my father to accept a contract that restricted his religious freedom, freedom of association, and freedom of speech. Overturning that contract does not "damage" freedom, it restores it.
Of course, I'm not the only one with a legal opinion. A Conservative blogger at HumanEvents.com claims that if my father's claim is upheld it would "be a serious blow to freedoms of religion and association." He seems misinformed in some areas, often confusing "sex" and "gender" and resorts to hyperbole to try and prove his point. I don't know if I should even take this blogger seriously, but their claims that upholding my Father's claim would harm freedom of religion and association seem to turn the situation on its head. The University forced my father to accept a contract that restricted his religious freedom, freedom of association, and freedom of speech. Overturning that contract does not "damage" freedom, it restores it.
My Gender Identity Disorder
This is something I wrote some time ago that has been of help for many people:
My Gender Identity Disorder
Background and Diagnosis
Some of my earliest childhood memories are of thoughts and feelings that I was a girl. My playmates of choice were most often girls up through 5th grade. We played “girl” games (pretend, hopscotch, jump-rope, jacks, etc.). Peer pressure (verbal and physical) in 5th and 6th grades caused me to seek to begin to repress these feelings and move away from these activities. From that point on through high school, I became more active in sports and in leadership roles while still nurturing interests in music, cooking, art, and flowers (my dates always had the nicest bouquets!). As busy as I kept and as hard as I tried to keep them down, the feelings and thoughts bubbled up and must have been transparent to some. Girls would frequently seek me out just to talk because I “wasn’t like the other guys.”
In college and adulthood I took on roles and cultural norms which made the thoughts and feelings invisible to most eyes. However, these thoughts and feelings were still there causing anxiety, stress, and feelings of shame (at having to hide this part of me). Temporary relief sometimes came from clothing or grooming (a gold chain/necklace, soft fabrics, etc.) and –whenever possible – clandestine cross dressing. I did the best I could in the roles I was called to fill, but knew they were not me . . . or at least fully and authentically me.
In November 2003 I shared as much as I understood at the time with Joanne concerning my feelings and thoughts related to my gender discomfort. After a tough time of confusion, anger, and tears we began to try and deal with the deep secret that was now out in the open. We talked about events from both my childhood and our married life together that helped us illustrate, substantiate, and define the feelings and thoughts I was trying to express. With Joanne’s support, comfort, and encouragement we begin a process of prayer, study, and conversation that eventually led to my consultation with an international authority in the field and a diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder. This DSM-IV diagnosis (302.85) was confirmed and supported by my primary care physician, a leading endocrinologist, and, informally, by another therapist. Both my therapist and my primary care physician refer to my condition as a psychological diagnosis of a neurological condition.
Gender Identity Disorder (GID) is typically discussed as both a psychological and biological condition. Psychology tends to place an emphasis on the outward manifestations of depression, anxiety, and stress often connected with the gender dysphoria (feeling/believing one’s gender is incongruent with one’s biological sex). Medical and scientific research tends to emphasize pre-natal genetic/biological explanations and causes for the condition. The most recent medical/biological research points to “clear and incontrovertible evidence”[1] of GID being a neuro-developmental condition of the brain.[2] Because of this, the condition cannot be treated by counseling alone. Persons with my diagnosis require an approach that includes a blend of behavior changes and medical interventions. The stress related to not treating the condition (by following these prescribed medical protocols) is often life-threatening. My treatment includes some grooming and clothing choices, cross dressing, and pharmaceutical assistance. Both psychology and scientific research agree that the condition is treatable (by providing relief and comfort through various means) but not curable.
GID is most often described as having six stages (or types) ranging from persons who occasionally cross-dress to those transitioning to their perceived gender through reconstructive surgery.
My diagnosis is near the more intense end of the spectrum and can be described as follows . . .
My gender “feelings” and self-image are very strongly feminine.
I express these thoughts and feelings through clothing (some all the time and some when dressed totally en femme) and personal grooming choices (primarily make-up and long, manicured nails).
My sexual attraction is to my wife only.
Dressing is not connected with any sexual gratification.
Medical/pharmaceutical support is recommended and helpful. It has both emotional and physiological benefits for me.
Psychotherapy is not needed or advised. My diagnosis summary identifies me as “psychologically stable and upstanding”.
I identify myself as transgendered (or transsexual) and have a feminine identity that finds various expressions including a web site, some online publications, a list-serve/bulletin board for transgendered and transsexual Christians, and participation (with my wife) in a support group. I have also spoken at an international conference for the transgendered and their families on issues of faith development in the transgendered.
People often ask why this is just coming out now. My response is somewhat involved. It is something that I have been dealing with all my life. It is not new. Like many transgendered people I tried my best to raise my kids with a “good” role model; seeking to live up to the macho roles that society expects. I was able to do this (at a great emotional price), but deeply regret that my sons rarely saw the nurturing person behind the “Dad mask”. Once the kids were all raised and married, the emotional energy needed to keep suppressing the real me seemed to disappear. I simply could no longer keep up the façade. So “coming out” combined a desire for authenticity and integrity as well as an admission that my emotional health could not sustain any further duplicity. Once released, the Julie (my preferred name) within has grown in both understanding and expression of the woman within. It feels so right that wearing “guy clothes” often feels wrong. According to my therapist, it is very likely that the day is coming – perhaps soon – when I will be living full-time as a woman even if I do not pursue sexual reconstruction surgery (a shared decision that is based on the relationship between Joanne and me).
I am sharing this information because I value our friendship and believe this information may be of value in helping you understand GID and the transgendered in our world. There is much more I could share (personally, in terms of research, and in terms of transgender-related law), but this is probably enough (maybe more than enough) for now. I am always ready and willing to discuss this. It’s me so it is a topic I can speak about easily. J
[1] Dr. Craig Kinsley, neuroscientist at the University of Richmond as quoted in the AP article Boi or grrl? Youth culture testing the boundaries of gender identity and roles (10/1/05).
[2] This web link summarizes the conclusions of a renowned team of international researchers that included psychologists, doctors, and other specialists in this field. They concluded that GID is “strongly associated with the neurodevelopment of the brain” and that it has “not been found to be overcome by contrary socialization, nor by psychological or psychiatric treatments alone”. They emphasize a treatment that uses a variety or approaches consistent with the needs and circumstances of the individual. http://www.gires.org.uk/Web_Page_Assets/Etiology_definition_signed.htm
My Gender Identity Disorder
Background and Diagnosis
Some of my earliest childhood memories are of thoughts and feelings that I was a girl. My playmates of choice were most often girls up through 5th grade. We played “girl” games (pretend, hopscotch, jump-rope, jacks, etc.). Peer pressure (verbal and physical) in 5th and 6th grades caused me to seek to begin to repress these feelings and move away from these activities. From that point on through high school, I became more active in sports and in leadership roles while still nurturing interests in music, cooking, art, and flowers (my dates always had the nicest bouquets!). As busy as I kept and as hard as I tried to keep them down, the feelings and thoughts bubbled up and must have been transparent to some. Girls would frequently seek me out just to talk because I “wasn’t like the other guys.”
In college and adulthood I took on roles and cultural norms which made the thoughts and feelings invisible to most eyes. However, these thoughts and feelings were still there causing anxiety, stress, and feelings of shame (at having to hide this part of me). Temporary relief sometimes came from clothing or grooming (a gold chain/necklace, soft fabrics, etc.) and –whenever possible – clandestine cross dressing. I did the best I could in the roles I was called to fill, but knew they were not me . . . or at least fully and authentically me.
In November 2003 I shared as much as I understood at the time with Joanne concerning my feelings and thoughts related to my gender discomfort. After a tough time of confusion, anger, and tears we began to try and deal with the deep secret that was now out in the open. We talked about events from both my childhood and our married life together that helped us illustrate, substantiate, and define the feelings and thoughts I was trying to express. With Joanne’s support, comfort, and encouragement we begin a process of prayer, study, and conversation that eventually led to my consultation with an international authority in the field and a diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder. This DSM-IV diagnosis (302.85) was confirmed and supported by my primary care physician, a leading endocrinologist, and, informally, by another therapist. Both my therapist and my primary care physician refer to my condition as a psychological diagnosis of a neurological condition.
Gender Identity Disorder (GID) is typically discussed as both a psychological and biological condition. Psychology tends to place an emphasis on the outward manifestations of depression, anxiety, and stress often connected with the gender dysphoria (feeling/believing one’s gender is incongruent with one’s biological sex). Medical and scientific research tends to emphasize pre-natal genetic/biological explanations and causes for the condition. The most recent medical/biological research points to “clear and incontrovertible evidence”[1] of GID being a neuro-developmental condition of the brain.[2] Because of this, the condition cannot be treated by counseling alone. Persons with my diagnosis require an approach that includes a blend of behavior changes and medical interventions. The stress related to not treating the condition (by following these prescribed medical protocols) is often life-threatening. My treatment includes some grooming and clothing choices, cross dressing, and pharmaceutical assistance. Both psychology and scientific research agree that the condition is treatable (by providing relief and comfort through various means) but not curable.
GID is most often described as having six stages (or types) ranging from persons who occasionally cross-dress to those transitioning to their perceived gender through reconstructive surgery.
My diagnosis is near the more intense end of the spectrum and can be described as follows . . .
My gender “feelings” and self-image are very strongly feminine.
I express these thoughts and feelings through clothing (some all the time and some when dressed totally en femme) and personal grooming choices (primarily make-up and long, manicured nails).
My sexual attraction is to my wife only.
Dressing is not connected with any sexual gratification.
Medical/pharmaceutical support is recommended and helpful. It has both emotional and physiological benefits for me.
Psychotherapy is not needed or advised. My diagnosis summary identifies me as “psychologically stable and upstanding”.
I identify myself as transgendered (or transsexual) and have a feminine identity that finds various expressions including a web site, some online publications, a list-serve/bulletin board for transgendered and transsexual Christians, and participation (with my wife) in a support group. I have also spoken at an international conference for the transgendered and their families on issues of faith development in the transgendered.
People often ask why this is just coming out now. My response is somewhat involved. It is something that I have been dealing with all my life. It is not new. Like many transgendered people I tried my best to raise my kids with a “good” role model; seeking to live up to the macho roles that society expects. I was able to do this (at a great emotional price), but deeply regret that my sons rarely saw the nurturing person behind the “Dad mask”. Once the kids were all raised and married, the emotional energy needed to keep suppressing the real me seemed to disappear. I simply could no longer keep up the façade. So “coming out” combined a desire for authenticity and integrity as well as an admission that my emotional health could not sustain any further duplicity. Once released, the Julie (my preferred name) within has grown in both understanding and expression of the woman within. It feels so right that wearing “guy clothes” often feels wrong. According to my therapist, it is very likely that the day is coming – perhaps soon – when I will be living full-time as a woman even if I do not pursue sexual reconstruction surgery (a shared decision that is based on the relationship between Joanne and me).
I am sharing this information because I value our friendship and believe this information may be of value in helping you understand GID and the transgendered in our world. There is much more I could share (personally, in terms of research, and in terms of transgender-related law), but this is probably enough (maybe more than enough) for now. I am always ready and willing to discuss this. It’s me so it is a topic I can speak about easily. J
[1] Dr. Craig Kinsley, neuroscientist at the University of Richmond as quoted in the AP article Boi or grrl? Youth culture testing the boundaries of gender identity and roles (10/1/05).
[2] This web link summarizes the conclusions of a renowned team of international researchers that included psychologists, doctors, and other specialists in this field. They concluded that GID is “strongly associated with the neurodevelopment of the brain” and that it has “not been found to be overcome by contrary socialization, nor by psychological or psychiatric treatments alone”. They emphasize a treatment that uses a variety or approaches consistent with the needs and circumstances of the individual. http://www.gires.org.uk/Web_Page_Assets/Etiology_definition_signed.htm
Trying to catch up
I'm doing a lot of catching up on how the news is spreading across the Internet. I found one YouTube video of a vlogger from Jackson and her reaction to the news story. There have been a few vitriolic posts (on both sides), and I'll get to those, but I wanted to share this video. Enjoy.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Dr. Jen
Here's a letter from a medical doctor that will be printed in my local paper's "Letters to the Editor".
SELMA, CALIF. ‹ I am a medical doctor with 26 years of experience in Family Practice and Obstetrics. I also have a special expertise in treating those with Gender Identity Disorder. GID is a medical problem ‹ a congenital disorder in which centers of the brain that determine our "gender identity" develop in the fetus in a manner opposite to the chromosomal sex and the anatomy of the rest of the body. Though many are successful in their lives, driven for decades to prove to others and themselves that they are "normal," this process extracts a mental-emotional toll that cannot be maintained indefinitely. When those with GID reach their crisis point (often in their 30s to 50s), they can no longer continue living a facade contrary to their "true self." They must either "transition" to their true (mental) gender, under the care of medical and psychological professionals, or end up in a severe depression which often results in suicide. The phrase we use for this crisis is "Transition or Die.²"
Unfortunately,most of those who transition that also have a strong church background are frequently brutalized by their very own churches, to which they have long attended and contributed over many years. It is astounding to see that their pastors and so-called Christian brothers and sisters, who should exemplify the love and compassion of Jesus, turn against them in this difficult period of transition. There is nothing in the Bible that would condemn anyone suffering from GID for utilizing the only means (including hormones and surgery) available to bring wholeness to a mind-body incongruity that has caused them decades of suffering. To equate GID with immorality or sexual perversion makes no more sense that to state that all who suffer from seizures are "demon-possessed" just because one boy healed from epilepsy by Jesus was afflicted by an evil spirit.
Jennifer A. Burnett, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine UCSF-Fresno,
Teaching Faculty Fresno Family Practice Residency
SELMA, CALIF. ‹ I am a medical doctor with 26 years of experience in Family Practice and Obstetrics. I also have a special expertise in treating those with Gender Identity Disorder. GID is a medical problem ‹ a congenital disorder in which centers of the brain that determine our "gender identity" develop in the fetus in a manner opposite to the chromosomal sex and the anatomy of the rest of the body. Though many are successful in their lives, driven for decades to prove to others and themselves that they are "normal," this process extracts a mental-emotional toll that cannot be maintained indefinitely. When those with GID reach their crisis point (often in their 30s to 50s), they can no longer continue living a facade contrary to their "true self." They must either "transition" to their true (mental) gender, under the care of medical and psychological professionals, or end up in a severe depression which often results in suicide. The phrase we use for this crisis is "Transition or Die.²"
Unfortunately,most of those who transition that also have a strong church background are frequently brutalized by their very own churches, to which they have long attended and contributed over many years. It is astounding to see that their pastors and so-called Christian brothers and sisters, who should exemplify the love and compassion of Jesus, turn against them in this difficult period of transition. There is nothing in the Bible that would condemn anyone suffering from GID for utilizing the only means (including hormones and surgery) available to bring wholeness to a mind-body incongruity that has caused them decades of suffering. To equate GID with immorality or sexual perversion makes no more sense that to state that all who suffer from seizures are "demon-possessed" just because one boy healed from epilepsy by Jesus was afflicted by an evil spirit.
Jennifer A. Burnett, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine UCSF-Fresno,
Teaching Faculty Fresno Family Practice Residency
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