By Blair Archbold, WA Gender Project

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There was a bit of a debate on a face-book page not too long ago (over two hundred comments) between radical feminists vs. transfolk and their supporters over whether transsexualism is a mental illness.

I would like to point out that when an individual is questioning their gender, they are in a vulnerable state, often seeking guidance and information on what is already a misunderstood topic. If such individuals come across literature on a website or elsewhere stating that transsexualism, or any kind of sexual and/or gender variance, is a mental illness it can actually be quite harmful, increasing the likelihood of self-harm and suicide. Saying trans* folk have a mental illness is akin to saying that being gay, lesbian or bisexual is a mental illness. And quite frankly, we do not need any more people harming themselves.

If you are reading this right now and you think you might be trans*, I urge you to listen to me carefully, you are not crazy. Trust the voice inside that knows who you really are and seek support because you are not alone.

And please, do not settle for medical and/or mental health professionals who make you feel uncomfortable. You have the right to shop around for someone you feel comfortable with and contrary to popular belief, there is more than one psychiatrist and endocrinologist who will see trans* people in Perth. You can contact the WA Gender Project’s website or ask other trans* friendly organisations for information.

If you are interested in the emerging evidence that suggests transsexualism and other forms of sexual and gender variance are indeed medical conditions, the WA Gender Project will soon have a position statement on its website entitled Depathologisation of Gender and Sexual Variation with up to date information.

For more information visit www.wagenderproject.org.

If you need immediate assistance please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, for further information about depression call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.

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