A Smoother Transition for Transexuals Essays -- Transexual Surgery

A Smoother Transition for Transexuals Known to many as the last hurdle transsexuals have to face before they can gain access to sex reassignment surgery, the Real life experience (RLE), sometimes called real life test (RLT), is a process where the subject lives in their preferred gender role for a certain amount of time. Despite how many transsexuals see the RLE as an opportunity to match their outer appearance with their inner feelings, they sometimes overlook the challenges they may face before getting what they want. The expenses of buying a whole new lifestyle, the emotional drainage they are likely to face, and the periods of physical pain in hormonal change and cosmetic surgery are main issues that sometimes go unnoticed by those considering the RLE. The time spent as their preferred gender is expected to demonstrate that they can function in the preferred role. [1] Since 1979, the RLE has been part of the Standards of Care developed by the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA). Standards of Care created its sixth version in 1998 to further share the most current thinking of professionals of gender identity disorders [2]. The test is said to have originated from a 1974 pamphlet created by Reed Erickson, a wealthy female-to-male transsexual with the help of his personal doctor, James Lorio. Lorio suggested that Erickson undergo a six month to two year â€Å"trial† period as a male, thus developing the idea of the RLE [3]. The purpose of RLE, as believed by many clinicians, is necessary to prevent regret after surgery. HBIGDA is trying to balance the risks of achieving surgery too early in the transition process and the risks of delaying needed treatment. In the beginning, the HBIGDA Standa... ... liberating for some transgender individuals, many fail to consider other factors that come before reaching this goal. From the costly expenses such as a new wardrobe and surgery, to facing physical and mental pain, many look towards gaining the end result rather than regarding the steps to getting there. However, because of the RLE they find out early on if going through with the transformation is worth their time, money, and sacrifice. WORKS CITED: Websites 1) http://www.trans-health.com//displayarticle.php?aid=80 2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_life_experience 3) http://vch.eduhealth.ca/pdfs/GA/GA.100.R229.pdf 4) http://wpath.org/Documents2/socv6.pdf Newspaper Articles 5) http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9802E6DF133EF930A2575AC0A96E958260&sec=health&spon 6) http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/04/fashion/04WORK.html?emc=eta1