The Making of a Trans Woman – Episode 4, Part 1: Introduction

It occurs to me that I seldom discuss my past on this blog.  Many of you have learned bits and pieces from family references in my posts, but I have never really shared any of my back-story in detail.  I am and work very diligently to remain a forward-looking person, but I recognize the value in reflection.  After all, those who forget history are destined to repeat it.

I am always fascinated by the similarities in experiences I encounter throughout the trans community.  It almost hints at a sort of cosmic consciousness that is shared by people like us.  There is certainly no absolute, and I have also read a number of stories that do not correspond to my experience.  Still, I think the frequency with which our similarities arise is notable, and I believe it points to something more than we may often consider.  I believe these similar patterns further solidify the case that transsexuality is a genetic condition. 

When one considers the whole of our experience, it is impossible to disregard the patterns.  For anyone to honestly suggest that such patterns could arise from environment and social conditioning, when those factors are infinitely diverse is ludicrous.  How without some underlying contributor could countless households, cultures, religions, and social structures produce the same result?  It does not happen.  To yield the similarities in experience, it would seem to this humble observer that a similar condition must exist.  It takes very little to see that environment cannot possibly be that link just considering the geographical diversity alone; that leaves little other than genetics to blame.

I have done exactly zero scholarly research to back up my assertions.  Everything I suggest here is based purely on the reading and informal research into transsexuality that I have done over the past twenty or so years.  I am not a scientist, nor do I play one on TV.  I once completed a science fair project in which I attempted to heat water using solar power.  I discovered that black Krylon paint, plastic tubing, and beer cans were a poor substitute for solar panels.  You should be impressed.  While I may not have done my homework on this subject, I know that a lot of other people have, and whether they agree with me or I agree with them; the premise remains the same.

In the interest of contributing to the body of evidence for those who actually would like to do the homework, I will occasionally add autobiographical perspective to my posts going forward.  This will also give me something to write about on slow news days.  Given the rather long-winded introduction, I will save the actual back-story for future posts.  You are welcome.  And remember, my prolific prose is one of my endearing traits… any other writer may simply have introduced her autobiography with “And now for something completely different.”

Cheers to you all, and enjoy this long Independence Day weekend.  Remember, a lot of brave men and women have died to insure that some people enjoy more freedom than others.  Still, we have more freedom than some, and for that we should be grateful.

Take care,

Kate