Stretch yourself further and imagine living as one gender knowing actually you are the opposite gender. Caster Semenya has highlighted the complexity of gender. She has shown the world that there is no simple "boy" box and "girl" box. All that science has to offer cannot solve a simple "is it a boy/girl?" question. Im glad for this, Im glad that we can revert to humane ness. The latest Standards of Care set out by WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) states that "self identification" is a requirement to be highly considered by professionals when assessing a trans person requesting transitioning.
In essence it means that if Ms. Semenya self identifies as a woman, she is to be considered a woman.
I sit with gender non conforming people on my couch and we attempt to understand what one imagines is a simple taken-for-granted boy/girl question. Am I girl or boy? And more lately I tackle this question with people over 45 years of age. As one ages intolerance for politeness rears its head and we are generally dissatisfied with second best, just settling. Gender assessments are intense and the process is laborious- reports from a variety of specialists, living in the requested gender for a long period of time and only then can hormones be administered and finally , if requested, surgery. Years, much money and time is spent transitioning. And of course the tremendous risks of coming out. One risks loosing a spouse, children, employment.
I urge tolerance. Clearly I am passionate about this. It is a tremendous privilege to be part of a person's transitioning process and carries huge responsibilities which is why we work in a team. When I see a man on my couch who in outer appearance looks like a man, yet I see traces of his "woman" peeking out - the feminine watch, bracelets, the bare outline of a bra if one looks carefully enough, it is a highly emotive time for both of us.
I urge tolerance.
Show/Hide comment form
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
