My cousin transitioned, and she's much happier as a female than she ever was a male. Luckily, everyone in the family was really supportive of her decision. I've never really thought about it as a disorder or anything like that, and I think that the judge made the correct decision, especially considering that that the teen had lived for so long as a male. Waiting longer would just prolong the negative feelings that go along with the dysphoria.

I've had transgendered acquaintances, but no close friends or anything. I guess 17 is old enough for this kind of decision. I think most people are aware or their gender or sexual orientation by that point, so removing breasts at 17 is OK. I do think 17 would be too young for gender reassignment surgery, however.

Wow! Lots of transgender news on TresSugar lately! That's cool, I think this is the next agenda as gay rights become more mainstream.

I've known a few people that have transitioned. I'd be honest and say I don't think it's a panacea - in my experience there are often strong emotional and psychological issues that still cripple them. I think this comes down to the whole experience of living in the wrong gender is very traumatic. All the more reason for the law to support people transitioning as soon as they're capable of making the decision.

I have a friend whose dad transitioned from male to female. It was very difficult for her because she was 13 when it started, so they were both becoming women at the same time. In the long run, though, they developed a better relationship than they had before. Now both of them speak to people about trans families at events and schools. It's an unusual and very touching story, and hey, if their family is stronger because of it, how can anyone be upset about that?

Whatever makes you happy and if that is being the opposite sex, have at it. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be uncomfy in your own skin.

okay. well i don't know why his parents would not let him do this..and just cut the court ordeal out!

I have treated trans-gender patients for 10+ years. The most amazing "AHA" moment for me has come in reading the social histories. (Done appropriately, patients are screened by a qualified and specifically trained psychologist and psychiatrist, evaluated by an endocrinologist, and the entire issue evaluated by a group of experienced people to avoid tragedy, i.e., ferret out true significant mental illness-schizophrenia, depression, bi-polar disorder, psychopathic personality, major borderline personality-so that those issues can be dealt with first-not to mention medical and hormonal disorders). In any case in all the social histories i have read all these people knew that something was wrong, that they were in the wrong body, somewhere between 3 and 7 years old. It obviously was quite confusing to many and leads to many of the issues/tragedies that we hear about. They are forced into their physical sex, do their best to go along, have children, and finally read enough and gain insight and make the the change-obviously leading to many, many issues for the spouse and children often struggling mightily with the decision.

From what I've been reading, Alex is in the care of the welfare department, not his parents. So, it's not as simple as his parents allowing or not allowing the surgery. It also seems as if he went through the trouble of going to court now, rather than just waiting a year, because, since he is still a minor, the state will pay for the surgery.

Does anyone know if this is the same Alex who went to court in order to be allowed to take hormones when he was 13?

Regardless, it is difficult anywhere in the world to be approved for gender reassignment surgery. (And yes, the removal of the breasts for this reason is considered gender reassignment surgery.) Comment #7 describes the process well. Additionally, many doctors won't perform the surgery unless you have been living as a member of the gender you want to become for x number of years. I have an acquaintance for whom binding is not a possibility due to his asthma, so he will probably never be able to get sex reassignment surgery, even though he was born female but identifies as male.

i hav a distant uncl who im not related 2 by blood but whoz in da family and he got a sex change and became a womaon and then he regret it and speakz out against it now but i am all 4 it go 4 wat u want bcuz ur goin 2 die one day and then u will think oh i wish i did dat wit my lfie *sighz*

Ridiculous. At thirteen you haven't even developed yet. This is psychological

I not only know people who have transitioned, but I am one of them.

I was born with male genetalia, but knew all my life that it was 'wrong'. I finally reached a point in my life about 5 years ago where it was the right time to transition, and did. I had SRS almost 2 years ago, with one of the best surgeons in the world, Dr. Suporn in Chonburi, Thailand.

I have an exceptionally supportive family, and I have two children that are biologically mine, and I cherish the life I had prior to transitioning... And it was the best decision we ever made, and very likely saved my life.

I life as a relatively open transwoman. I don't hide my past, because I don't have to, and because by being open gives me /so/ many oppertunities to educate people about who and what transsexuals are. I've met precious few people who, when talked to reasonably and rationaly, don't come to at least accept me.

I'm also more than happy to answer any questions people might have, in general. I came to TresSugar from GeekSugar, and have been so glad I did. It seems a great sight which fosters a lot of communication and civility amongst it's readers. Kudos!

@Great Sommelier:

I knew from my earliest memories that I was wrong, and if I had the chance to go back and correct the physical problems earlier, I would leap on it. The longer you wait, the harder the process is and the 'worse' the results can be, as you have so much longer of unwelcome post-pubescent hormones to work against.

This is not, ever, a decision that one comes to lightly. This boy went through the entire legal process of fighting for this right; how many people, let alone how many so-called children, have the dedication and need to do that for something they are unsure of?

Yes, there are people who transition and have regrets. But overall, if any therapy for a more 'acceptable' condition like heart disease or whatnot had the level of positive results SRS has for transsexuals, they would be hailed as miracles, not derided as unnatural.

Thanks for sharing your story, mistwolf! I have a friend who transitioned, too, and there are so many misconceptions about gender dysphoria and just gender itself. The more we all realize we have the same issues with respect to gender (to different degrees and in different ways), the more accepting society will be about people in the trans community. I hope.

um woah impressed with the judith butler references and the really respectful look at transgender issues. I think its a great sign that Alex was able to make changes to his body so that i reflects who he feels he is. its not always a case of 'transitioning' however - there are not necessarily two distinct categories of male and female, masculine or feminine. there are more than two genders and more than two official biological sexes and breaking down those false categories will make it easier for people to live however makes them most comfortable