A trans woman is a woman born assigned a male sex at birth who has decided to adopt the female sex identity. This transition process typically involves hormone replacement therapy and sex reassignment surgery. The procedure helps trans women cope with feelings of gender dysphoria. While these procedures may not solve the cause of the woman’s gender dysphoria, they can help to relieve the symptoms.
Many trans activists believe that the terms “female” and “transgender” are interchangeable and that we should engineer a new definition of “trans woman” that includes anyone who does not identify as a natal woman, but sincerely self-declares as a woman. While there are some misconceptions surrounding the term “trans woman,” the vast majority of trans women are not violent or dangerous. Many of them have been victims of abuse.
To learn more about being transgender, check out the Center for Transgender Health and The Fenway Institute. These two organizations offer free newsletters and expert advice for those interested in transitioning. They are located at the University of California, San Francisco. These websites feature information about the medical treatment and support that transgender people need to deal with the transition to the female sex.
The transgender movement is part of a larger social justice movement that claims the right to better opportunities for everyone. Sadly, transgender people of color, particularly those who are poor, face significant discrimination. In addition, the transgender community is more likely to be rejected by family members than cisgender women.
While many people learn about their transgender identity at a young age, some don’t discover it until later in life. Some may need to struggle for years to feel comfortable discussing their identity. This can be damaging to emotional health. There is no right or wrong way to be trans, but recognizing that you are trans is not something to be ashamed of.
While the benefits of hormone therapy for trans women are significant, there are also risks associated with the use of the medications. The risks are similar to those of other medications, but routine monitoring, moderation in dosing, and healthy lifestyles can minimize them. The choices made by trans women are influenced by economics, access to healthcare, and physicians.
While some transgender women choose to undergo a genital surgery, others choose to forgo the procedure altogether. These surgeries can be painful and uncomfortable, and they may have complications. Most often, the surgery involves a mastectomy or hysterectomy. Other MTF surgeries include a facial feminization surgery and breast augmentation.
Trans women are facing significant discrimination in many aspects of their lives. They are disproportionately targeted by hate crimes and physical violence. Many trans women also face racism and transphobia. Some even have experienced the loss of their jobs due to their gender identity. Trans women who are members of racial minority groups also face a higher risk of being denied medical care. Furthermore, women who are trans have higher rates of homelessness.
The government has launched a consultation on the GRC process. Most respondents overwhelmingly supported a demedicalised process. This would remove the need for a psychiatrist’s diagnosis. But few other changes have been made to the GRC process. Previously, applying for the GRC cost PS140, but this fee will be reduced to PS5 in 2021. However, the process is still dominated by medicalization and dehumanisation.