> "I was constantly angry. I was constantly on edge. I had to deaden all of my emotions just to avoid doing damage. ... Then, I began taking an anti-androgen (Testosterone blocker) and Estrogen. And life changed. I was able to regulate my emotions. I could feel them, listen to them, but not be controlled by them."
It's interesting that you mention this, because that exactly describes my experience of post-partum depression and finally getting on a good dose of SSRI.
Because of that and other conversations I've had, I do still ask something like one of the questions you said you'd address, which is, "If dysphoria is a mental illness [because emotions are in our brain] and a person's body is functioning normally [besides not matching their gender], why do we use physical treatments?"
I very much believe mental illnesses are still illnesses that deserve to be treated, and that treatments can be literally lifesaving. One answer to my above question that would make sense to me is, "We don't have a way to treat the brain part." After I wrote that I realized HRT *is* treating the brain part, it's just also affecting the body--like many medications, but with more obvious "side" effects (that in this case are desirable).
While gender dysphoria is often comorbid with other mental illnesses like depression, it also makes sense to me that one of them is the real cause and it could very well be the dysphoria, especially given how dangerous it is to be trans currently, let alone if a trans person doesn't have community and family support. And I watched a great clip from a comedian who was asked, "What's the difference between being trans and other mental illnesses? Why don't we treat them the same?" and his response was, "Because the people who know what they're talking about say they're not the same." (Of course, trust in expertise is pretty low at the mo too. 🙄) Just like I'm sure you sometimes just say "trust me" in response to computer questions, that makes sense to me too.
It sounds like you're already going to address something along those lines so no need to go deep here, as I'll read the upcoming articles, too. :) But if you feel like sharing, did you pursue therapy/counseling and/or depression meds before seeking HRT? If not, why not? (and I know that your answer wouldn't be a prescription and would be just your answer)
All great questions - I will definitely be tackling those during this series, just need to get a bit more recovered from my surgery before I can write again ☺️
A really great piece, thanks! You know it is a Gish Gallop when it takes about 6,500 words to critique the first two pages!
So there is only one example given in the chapter on "Rapid Onset..." and for this example the onset took three years, and therefore was not "rapid" at all? Hmmmm...
Also: has Dr Sprinkle never come across the "Trans Prime Directive" in all his research?
Thank you, Martin! And Exactly! The community is so careful about avoiding any kind of “you should be trans” language, unlike Dr. Sprinkle writing a book telling proper “you should be cis.”
Thanks so much for your work on this topic, and this book in particular. I am not really informed on the history of the ROGD dialogue, not having read Embodied or really much of anything, just having encountered the ideas in the wild of conversations and news headlines. I appreciate the clarity and resources you're bringing to it.
What a treasure you are in doing this invaluable work!
Our community has recently suffered the creation of a Moms for Liberty chapter. Local activists are preparing for what we fear to be coming: a deluge of toxic disinformation about gender, trans identity, "parental rights," and school curricula.
I've wondered why my energy, and that of my advocacy group, has been flagging recently. It's Brandolini's Law and thank you for identifying that. We've been talking to each other about "spoons" and lack thereof. Now I know why.
We know there will be much refuting ahead of us in letters to the editor, community gatherings, school board meetings and on social media.
You've provided us with a trove of resources from which to draw for the all important pushback part of our advocacy efforts.
You also provide us with the all important message of trans joy, authenticity and success which should always be included in narratives about trans identity.
Thanks so much, Anne! That's such great encouragement to hear - a post like this takes a lot of effort (Brandolini's law) and so it's really helpful to know it's helping people!
Also so sorry about the new Moms for Liberty chapter - that's awful.
> "I was constantly angry. I was constantly on edge. I had to deaden all of my emotions just to avoid doing damage. ... Then, I began taking an anti-androgen (Testosterone blocker) and Estrogen. And life changed. I was able to regulate my emotions. I could feel them, listen to them, but not be controlled by them."
It's interesting that you mention this, because that exactly describes my experience of post-partum depression and finally getting on a good dose of SSRI.
Because of that and other conversations I've had, I do still ask something like one of the questions you said you'd address, which is, "If dysphoria is a mental illness [because emotions are in our brain] and a person's body is functioning normally [besides not matching their gender], why do we use physical treatments?"
I very much believe mental illnesses are still illnesses that deserve to be treated, and that treatments can be literally lifesaving. One answer to my above question that would make sense to me is, "We don't have a way to treat the brain part." After I wrote that I realized HRT *is* treating the brain part, it's just also affecting the body--like many medications, but with more obvious "side" effects (that in this case are desirable).
While gender dysphoria is often comorbid with other mental illnesses like depression, it also makes sense to me that one of them is the real cause and it could very well be the dysphoria, especially given how dangerous it is to be trans currently, let alone if a trans person doesn't have community and family support. And I watched a great clip from a comedian who was asked, "What's the difference between being trans and other mental illnesses? Why don't we treat them the same?" and his response was, "Because the people who know what they're talking about say they're not the same." (Of course, trust in expertise is pretty low at the mo too. 🙄) Just like I'm sure you sometimes just say "trust me" in response to computer questions, that makes sense to me too.
It sounds like you're already going to address something along those lines so no need to go deep here, as I'll read the upcoming articles, too. :) But if you feel like sharing, did you pursue therapy/counseling and/or depression meds before seeking HRT? If not, why not? (and I know that your answer wouldn't be a prescription and would be just your answer)
All great questions - I will definitely be tackling those during this series, just need to get a bit more recovered from my surgery before I can write again ☺️
thank you for sharing your voice, Celeste.
Thank you for listening!
A really great piece, thanks! You know it is a Gish Gallop when it takes about 6,500 words to critique the first two pages!
So there is only one example given in the chapter on "Rapid Onset..." and for this example the onset took three years, and therefore was not "rapid" at all? Hmmmm...
Also: has Dr Sprinkle never come across the "Trans Prime Directive" in all his research?
Thank you, Martin! And Exactly! The community is so careful about avoiding any kind of “you should be trans” language, unlike Dr. Sprinkle writing a book telling proper “you should be cis.”
Thanks so much for your work on this topic, and this book in particular. I am not really informed on the history of the ROGD dialogue, not having read Embodied or really much of anything, just having encountered the ideas in the wild of conversations and news headlines. I appreciate the clarity and resources you're bringing to it.
Glad it’s helpful! The next post will get much deeper into ROGD and the history behind it, so hope that one helps even more!
As well as we can all be in the grip of Brandolini's law and the Gish Gallop! Hope you are well!
Dear Celeste,
What a treasure you are in doing this invaluable work!
Our community has recently suffered the creation of a Moms for Liberty chapter. Local activists are preparing for what we fear to be coming: a deluge of toxic disinformation about gender, trans identity, "parental rights," and school curricula.
I've wondered why my energy, and that of my advocacy group, has been flagging recently. It's Brandolini's Law and thank you for identifying that. We've been talking to each other about "spoons" and lack thereof. Now I know why.
We know there will be much refuting ahead of us in letters to the editor, community gatherings, school board meetings and on social media.
You've provided us with a trove of resources from which to draw for the all important pushback part of our advocacy efforts.
You also provide us with the all important message of trans joy, authenticity and success which should always be included in narratives about trans identity.
Thank you again!
Thanks so much, Anne! That's such great encouragement to hear - a post like this takes a lot of effort (Brandolini's law) and so it's really helpful to know it's helping people!
Also so sorry about the new Moms for Liberty chapter - that's awful.
Hope you're well!