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'''Homosexual transsexual''' is a controversial term used in [[sexology]], and [[psychology]] to describe a class of [[transsexualism|transsexual]] person with a "[[homosexuality|homosexual]]" [[sexual orientation]] defined in reference to sex observed at birth.<ref name="freund1974"> Freund K, Nagler E, Langevin R, Zajac A, Steiner B (1974). Measuring feminine gender identity in homosexual males. ''[[Archives of Sexual Behavior]]'', Volume 3, Number 3 / May, 1974, pp. 249-260.</ref> Sexologist and psychologist mostly use this term in their literature to describe [[Transwomen attracted to men|transwomen who are attracted to men]],<ref name="person1974"> Person ES, Ovesey L (1974). The Psychodynamics of Male Transsexualism. In Friedman RC, Richart RM, and Vande Wiele LR (eds.) ''Sex Differences in Behavior, '' pp. 315-331. John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 9780471280538</ref> though occasionally they use it to describe [[Transmen attracted to women|transmen who are attracted to women]].<ref name="chivers2000"> Chivers, ML, Bailey JM (2000). Sexual orientation of female-to-male transsexuals: A comparison of homosexual and non-homosexual types. ''[[Archives of Sexual Behavior]]'', Volume 29, Number 3, pp. 259-278.</ref> It is also used in [[Blanchard, Bailey, and Lawrence theory|a controversial theory due to Ray Blanchard]]. The term "homosexual transsexual" is controversial because it defines [[transsexual sexuality]] based on a person's [[sex assignment|birth sex]].<ref name="livia1997"> Livia A, Hall K (1997). ''Queerly Phrased: Language, Gender, and Sexuality. '' Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780195104714</ref> Sexologist have criticized this type of terminology as being confusing, ignoring the psyche of those it is used to describe, and scientifically questionable, preferring to describe such transpersons as heterosexual.<ref name="bagemihlQ"> {{cite book
'''Homosexual transsexual''' is a controversial term used in [[sexology]], and [[psychology]] to describe a class of [[transsexualism|transsexual]] person with a "[[homosexuality|homosexual]]" [[sexual orientation]] defined in reference to sex observed at birth.<ref name="freund1974"> Freund K, Nagler E, Langevin R, Zajac A, Steiner B (1974). Measuring feminine gender identity in homosexual males. ''[[Archives of Sexual Behavior]]'', Volume 3, Number 3 / May, 1974, pp. 249-260.</ref> Sexologist and psychologist mostly use this term in their literature to describe [[Transwomen attracted to men|transwomen who are attracted to men]],<ref name="person1974"> Person ES, Ovesey L (1974). The Psychodynamics of Male Transsexualism. In Friedman RC, Richart RM, and Vande Wiele LR (eds.) ''Sex Differences in Behavior, '' pp. 315-331. John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 9780471280538</ref> though occasionally they use it to describe [[Transmen attracted to women|transmen who are attracted to women]].<ref name="chivers2000"> Chivers, ML, Bailey JM (2000). Sexual orientation of female-to-male transsexuals: A comparison of homosexual and non-homosexual types. ''[[Archives of Sexual Behavior]]'', Volume 29, Number 3, pp. 259-278.</ref> It is also used in [[Blanchard, Bailey, and Lawrence theory|a controversial theory due to Ray Blanchard]]. The term "homosexual transsexual" is controversial because it defines [[transsexual sexuality]] based on a person's [[sex assignment|birth sex]].<ref name="livia1997"> Livia A, Hall K (1997). ''Queerly Phrased: Language, Gender, and Sexuality. '' Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780195104714</ref> Sexologist have criticized this type of terminology as being confusing, ignoring the psyche of those it is used to describe, and scientifically questionable, preferring to describe such transpersons as heterosexual.<ref name="bagemihlQ"> {{cite book

Revision as of 17:11, 8 March 2009

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Homosexual transsexual is a controversial term used in sexology, and psychology to describe a class of transsexual person with a "homosexual" sexual orientation defined in reference to sex observed at birth.[1] Sexologist and psychologist mostly use this term in their literature to describe transwomen who are attracted to men,[2] though occasionally they use it to describe transmen who are attracted to women.[3] It is also used in a controversial theory due to Ray Blanchard. The term "homosexual transsexual" is controversial because it defines transsexual sexuality based on a person's birth sex.[4] Sexologist have criticized this type of terminology as being confusing, ignoring the psyche of those it is used to describe, and scientifically questionable, preferring to describe such transpersons as heterosexual.[5][6][7]

The concept of a taxonomy based on transsexual sexuality was first proposed by Magnus Hirschfeld in 1923, and codified by Harry Benjamin in the Benjamin Scale in 1966.[8][9] Kurt Freund proposed two types of cross-gender identity in 1982, based on his observation that gender identity disorder is different for homosexual males and heterosexual males.[10] Psychological test measure the sexual orientation of these transsexuals as Kinsey Scale 5-6.[11][12] Researchers have found several characteristics that homosexual transsexuals tend to have in common.[13][14] Characteristics such as social class, and age when applying for sex reassignment, recent immigration, and or non-Caucasian race, childhood behavior problems, growing up in broken homes.[15][13][14][16] They were also found to have more gender variant behavior, to appear have a more convincing cross-gender appearance, and function better post transition than non-homosexual transsexuals.[17][15]

Since 2003 this term has been strongly associated with Ray Blanchard's controversial theory. Blanchard's theory states that all non-homosexual transsexuals are motivated to change sex by erotic interest in self-feminization. Many sexologist have said this use of terminology is scientifically questionable, and avoid it out of consideration of the feelings of the people it labels.[18] Harry Benjamin, who coined the word transsexual, wrote that the use of the term homosexual to describe a transsexual who is attracted to men is proper if anatomy is considered but not if psyche is considered, and only remains proper after sex reassignment surgery in the anatomical sense if one is being pedantic.[19]

Scientific description

The concept of a taxonomy based on transsexual sexuality was first proposed by Magnus Hirschfeld in 1923,[8] and codified by Harry Benjamin in the Benjamin Scale in 1966.[9] Kurt Freund proposed two types of cross-gender identity in 1982, based on his observation that gender identity disorder is different for homosexual males and heterosexual males.[10] Sexologist quantatitively measure sexual orientation using psychological test called scales. Homosexual transsexuals averaged a Kinsey Scale measurement of 5-6 or a 9.86±2.37 on the Modified Androphilia Scale .[11][12]Dorner found that when injected with Premarin homosexual transsexual men showed an increased luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone response compared to heterosexual or bisexual male-to-female transsexuals.[20]

Sexual activity

Frank Leavitt and Jack C. Berger further categorized homosexual transsexuals by three patterns of sexual activity in how they used their penis. In their study 44% were sexually inactive, 19% avoided use of their penis during sex and 37% derived pleasure from using their penis during sex. Each group showed varying levels of masculinity and emotional disturbance in development.[12] Leavitt and Berger found that transsexuals in the avoidant group are different from those in the other two groups. They fit the description of the "nuclear transsexual".[12] They had a strong cross gender identification, wanted female anatomy, had never married and little to no sexual activity with females.[12] Of all the subgroups this group had the least comorbid psychopathologies.[12] The transsexuals in the pleasure group behaved sexually in ways that were "classically homosexual".[12] They were more likely than those in the avoidant group to have had sexual experience with females.[12] They also rated higher on a test of general fetishism.[12] Other than this, transsexuals in the pleasure group were similar to the description of a "nuclear transsexual".[12] They found that transsexuals in the inactive group had characteristics which most differed from that of the "nuclear transsexual",[12] such as strong heterosexual orientations (as determined from psychological testing), and fetish histories. "The pattern exhibited generally conforms to that exhibited by heterosexual transsexuals."[12] The inactive group was found to share little with the other groups of transsexuals other than a stated sexual interest in males.[12] Leavitt and Berger also mentioned studies by Blanchard which suggest that heterosexual transsexuals will adjust their life stories to ensure that they get sex reassignment surgery.[12]

Prostitution

In The Man Who Would Be Queen, J. Michael Bailey said that the homosexual transsexuals he studied are comfortable with prostitution,[16] that they have a masculine sexual appetite, but lust after men.[16] In "The Transsexual Phenomenon", Harry Benjamin writes that "Other transsexuals find prostitution a useful profession for emotional as well as practical reasons..."[9]: 50–51  Benjamin goes on to say "How much more can his femininity be reaffirmed than by again and again attracting normal, heterosexual, and unsuspecting men and even being paid for rendering sex service as a woman?"[9]

Socioeconomic factors

Researchers have found several demographic features that homosexual transsexuals tend to have in common.[13][14] Ken Zucker, and Yolanda Smith independently found that homosexual transsexuals are of lower average IQ[15] and social class as compared to non-homosexual transsexuals. The homosexual transsexuals are more likey to have recent immigrant status, non-intact families, non-Caucasian race, and childhood behavior problems[13] Bailey found that most homosexual transsexuals learn to live on the streets, resorting to prostitution, or shoplifting.[16]

D.F. MacFarlane studied transsexuals in Australia and New Zealand.[14] MacFarlane found that in New Zealand that 90% of the homosexual transsexual prostitutes were Māori,[14] an ethnic group who are only 9% of the overall population.[14] In The Man Who Would Be Queen J. Michael Bailey says that about 60% of homosexual transsexuals he studied in Chicago were Latina or black;[16] in his studies of gay males only 20% were non-white.[16] Bailey quoted the opinions of two of his subjects who attributed the difference to genetics, or inflexible gender roles in their respective cultures.[16] MacFarlane similarly stated that culture influenced the number of Māori homosexual transsexuals he observed.[14]

Fraternal birth order effect

Research on the causes of homosexual transsexualism, transsexualism, and homosexuality overlap to a large degree.[21][22][23] The etiology of transsexualism concerns the causes of transsexuality in general, including the theory that transsexualism is caused by differences in specific areas of the brain, while relationships between biology and sexual orientation have been studied in depth as possible causes of homosexuality.

Research specifically related to "homosexual transsexuals" lead Blanchard and Zucker to the conclusion that birth order has some influence over sexual orientation in biological males.[21][22][23] This phenomena is called the "fraternal birth order effect".[22] Richard Green found "Homosexual male-to-female transsexuals have a later than expected birth order and more older brothers than other subgroups of male-to-female transsexuals. Each older brother increases the odds that a male transsexual is homosexual by 40%."[23] Green did not find a higher incidence of homosexuality in the younger brothers of homosexual transsexuals. In a more recent study of homosexual transsexual males in Korea Kenneth Zucker found no older brother effect.[22] Zucker attributes this to the preference for males in Korean society causing parents to stop having children once they have a boy.[22] Therefore all male children are less likely to have older brothers and hence no fraternal birth order effect is observed.[22] According to Bailey's interpretation of Blanchard's theory the causes of homosexual transsexuality are extreme examples of the causes of homosexuality in males.[16]

Blanchard's theory

Main article: Blanchard, Bailey, and Lawrence theory

Sexologist Ray Blanchard defined this category based on testing or self-report,and stated that self-report is not always reliable.[11][12][24] Morgan, Blanchard and other researchers have stated that many "non-homosexual" transsexuals systematically distort their life stories because "non-homosexuals" were often screened out as candidates for surgery[25] and because some see "homosexual transsexual" as a more socially desirable diagnosis. Key characteristics include conspicuous cross-gender behavior from childhood through adulthood, and a "homosexual" sexual orientation. Blanchard also states that non-homosexual transsexual women (as well as all other non-homosexual male gender dysphorics) have a condition called autogynephilia and are aroused by the idea or image of themselves as women.[17] Blanchard found in his studies that homosexual transsexuals were younger when applying for sex reassignment, reported a stronger cross-gender identity in childhood, had a more convincing cross-gender appearance, and functioned psychologically better than "non-homosexual" transsexuals.[17] A lower percentage of the homosexual transsexuals reported being (or having been) married and sexually aroused while cross-dressing.[15] Studies have variously found that between 10% and 36% of homosexual transsexuals report a history of sexual arousal to crossdressing. Bentler found 23%, while Freund reported 31%;[26][10][12][27][17][28]

Previous taxonomies, or systems of categorization, used the terms "classic transsexual" or "true transsexual," terms once used in differential diagnoses.[29] He also found them to be comparatively short and light in proportion to their height than non-homosexuals.[30] Independent research done by Smith confirmed most of Blanchards findings, except for the difference in height-weight ratio.[15]

Criticism of this term by sexologists

The practice of referring to androphilic transsexuals as homosexual males, or homosexual transsexuals has been called into question by many behavioral scientists over the years. Two notable ones are Harry Benjamin and Bruce Bagemihl. [31][6]

In the words of Harry Benjamin in 1966:

....it seems evident that the question "Is the transsexual homosexual?" must be answered "yes" and " no." "Yes," if his anatomy is considered; "no" if his psyche is given preference.

What would be the situation after corrective surgery has been performed and the sex anatomy now resembles that of a woman? Is the "new woman" still a homosexual man? "Yes," if pedantry and technicalities prevail. "No" if reason and common sense are applied and if the respective patient is treated as an individual and not as a rubber stamp. [19]

Many others agree with what Dr. Benjamin wrote about the use of this term one of which is Bruce Bagemihl.[31] Bagemihl writes

...the point of reference for "heterosexual" or "homosexual" orientation in this nomenclature is solely the individual's genetic sex prior to reassignment (see for example, Blanchard et al. 1987[24], Coleman and Bockting, 1988[25], Blanchard, 1989[26]). These labels thereby ignore the individual’s personal sense of gender identity taking precedence over biological sex, rather than the other way around.[31]

Bagemihl goes on to take issue with the way this terminology makes it easy to say transsexuals are really homosexual males seeking to escape from stigma.[31] Leavitt and Berger stated in 1990, "The homosexual transsexual label is both confusing and controversial among males seeking sex reassignment.[25][12] Critics argue that the term "homosexual transsexual" is "heterosexist",[31] "archaic",[7] and demeaning because it labels people by sex assigned at birth instead of their gender identity.[32] Benjamin, Leavitt, and Berger have all used the term in their own work.[12][9] John Bancroft also recently expressed regret for having used this terminology, which was standard when he used it, to refer to transsexual women.[18] He says that he now tries to choose his words more sensitively.[18]

See also

References

  1. ^ Freund K, Nagler E, Langevin R, Zajac A, Steiner B (1974). Measuring feminine gender identity in homosexual males. Archives of Sexual Behavior, Volume 3, Number 3 / May, 1974, pp. 249-260.
  2. ^ Person ES, Ovesey L (1974). The Psychodynamics of Male Transsexualism. In Friedman RC, Richart RM, and Vande Wiele LR (eds.) Sex Differences in Behavior, pp. 315-331. John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 9780471280538
  3. ^ Chivers, ML, Bailey JM (2000). Sexual orientation of female-to-male transsexuals: A comparison of homosexual and non-homosexual types. Archives of Sexual Behavior, Volume 29, Number 3, pp. 259-278.
  4. ^ Livia A, Hall K (1997). Queerly Phrased: Language, Gender, and Sexuality. Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780195104714
  5. ^ Bagemihl, Bruce. Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity. ISBN 978-0312192396. {{cite book}}: Check |authorlink= value (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); External link in |authorlink= (help)
  6. ^ a b BenjaminQ, Harry. The Transsexual Phenomenon. Chapter 2, Paragraph 16. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)CS1 maint: location (link)
  7. ^ a b Wahng SJ (2004). Double Cross: Transamasculinity Asian American Gendering in Trappings of Transhood. in Aldama AJ (ed.) Violence and the Body: Race, Gender, and the State. Indiana University Press, ISBN 978025334171X Cite error: The named reference "wahng" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  8. ^ a b Hirschfeld M (1923). Die intersexuelle Konstitution. Jarhbuch fuer sexuelle Zwischenstufen. 1923: 3-27, German
  9. ^ a b c d e Benjamin H (1966). The Transsexual Phenomenon. The Julian Press ASIN: B0007HXA76
  10. ^ a b c Freund K, Steiner BW, Chan S (1982). Two types of cross-gender identity. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 1982 Feb;11(1):49-63. Cite error: The named reference "freund1982" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  11. ^ a b c Lawrence, Anne; Latty, Elizabeth M (April), "Measurement of sexual arousal in postoperative male-to-female transsexuals using vaginal photoplethysmography.", Archives of Sexual Behavior, 34 (2): 135–145, doi:10.1007/s10508-005-1792-z, 1573-2800 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help)
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Leavitt, Frank; Berger, Jack C. (October), "Clinical patterns among male transsexual candidates with erotic interest in males", Archives of Sexual Behavior, 19 (5): 491–505, doi:10.1007/BF02442350, 1573-2800 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help)
  13. ^ a b c d Cohen-Kettenis, Peggy T. (February 2003). "Gender-Dysphoric Children and Adolescents: A Comparative Analysis of Demographic Characteristics and Behavioral Problems". Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. 31 (1). Netherlands: Springer Netherlands: 41–53. doi:10.1023/A:1021769215342. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ a b c d e f g MacFarlane, D. F. (August 1984). "Transsexual prostitution in New Zealand: Predominance of persons of Maori extraction". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 13 (4). Netherlands: Springer: 301–309. doi:10.1007/BF01541903. Retrieved 2008-02-26. {{cite journal}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  15. ^ a b c d e Smith, Yolanda L.S. (2005-12-15). "Transsexual subtypes: Clinical and theoretical significance" (PDF). Psychiatry Research. 137 (3). Elsevier: 151–160. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2005.01.008. Retrieved 2007-06-26. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h Bailey JM (2003). "The Man Who Would Be Queen: The Science of Gender-Bending and Transsexualism". Women Who Once Were Boys.Joseph Henry Press, ISBN 0-309-08418-0
  17. ^ a b c d Blanchard R, Clemmensen LH, Steiner BW (1987). Heterosexual and homosexual gender dysphoria. Archives of Sexual Behavior, Volume 16, Number 2 / April, 1987
  18. ^ a b c Bancroft, John (2008). "Lust or Identity?" (PDF). Archives of Sexual Behavior. 37 (3). Springer: 426–428. doi:10.1007/s10508-008-9317-1. Retrieved January 2009. {{cite journal}}: Check |authorlink= value (help); Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); External link in |authorlink= (help)
  19. ^ a b Benjamin "Transsexual Phenomena" chapter 2
  20. ^ Dorner G, Rohde W, Schott G, Schnabl C (1983). On the LH response to oestrogen and LH-RH in transsexual men. Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology. 1983 Nov;82(3):257-67.
  21. ^ a b Blanchard, Ray; Zucker, Kenneth J. (October), "Birth order and sibling sex ratio in two samples of Dutch gender-dysphoric homosexual males", Archives of Sexual Behavior, 25 (5): 495–514, doi:10.1007/BF02437544 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help)
  22. ^ a b c d e f Zucker, Kenneth J; Blanchard, Ray (October), "Birth order and sibling sex ratio in homosexual transsexual South Korean men: Effects of the male-preference stopping rule", Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 61 (5): 529–533, doi:10.1111/j.1440-1819.2007.01703.x {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  23. ^ a b c Green, Richard (July), "Birth order and ratio of brothers to sisters in transsexuals", Psychological Medicine, 30 (4): 789–795 {{citation}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help)
  24. ^ Blanchard, Ray (December 1985). "Social desirability response set and systematic distortion in the self-report of adult male gender patients". Archives of Sexual Behavior. 14 (6). Netherlands: Springer. 1573-2800. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  25. ^ a b Morgan AJ Jr (1978). Psychotherapy for transsexual candidates screened out of surgery. Archives of Sexual Behavior. 7: 273-282. Cite error: The named reference "morgan1978" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  26. ^ Bentler P M (1976). "A typology of transsexualism: Gender identity theory and data." Archives of Sexual Behavior 5: 567-584.
  27. ^ Blanchard R (1985). "Typology of male-to-female transsexualism." Archives of Sexual Behavior, 14, 247-261.
  28. ^ Blanchard R (1989). "The concept of autogynephilia and the typology of male gender dysphoria." Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 177, 616-623.
  29. ^ Benjamin H (1966). ""Three different types of transsexual" The Transsexual Phenomenon.". Julian Press ASIN B0007HXA76.
  30. ^ Blanchard R, Dickey R, Jones CL. Comparison of height and weight in homosexual versus non-homosexual male gender dysphorics. Archives of Sexual Behavior 1995 Oct;24(5):543-54.
  31. ^ a b c d e Bagemihl B. Surrogate phonology and transsexual faggotry: A linguistic analogy for uncoupling sexual orientation from gender identity. In Queerly Phrased: Language, Gender, and Sexuality. Anna Livia, Kira Hall (eds.) pp. 380 ff. Oxford University Press ISBN 0195104714
  32. ^ Leiblum SR, Rosen RC (2000). Principles and Practice of Sex Therapy, Third Edition. ISBN 1-57230-574-6,Guilford Press of New York, c2000.
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