IJT logo

 

Introduction

Editors:
Friedemann Pfäfflin,
 Ulm University, Germany
 
Walter O. Bockting,
 University of Minnesota, USA
 
Eli Coleman,
 University of Minnesota, USA
 
Richard Ekins,
 University of Ulster at Coleraine, UK
 
Dave King,
 University of Liverpool, UK

Managing Editor:
Noelle N Gray,
 University of Minnesota, USA

Editorial Assistant:
Erin Pellett,
 University of Minnesota, USA

Editorial Board

Authors

Contents
book Historic Papers

Info
Authors´Guidelines

© Copyright

Published by
Symposion Publishing
  
ISSN 1434-4599

  
XVI Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association Symposium
17 - 21 August 1999, London

Reflections on "Transsexualism and Sex Reassignment" 1969 -1999

Men trapped in Men´s Bodies: Autogynephilic Eroticism as a Motive for seeking Sex Reassignment

Lawrence, Anne A., M.D. (Private Practice; Seattle, Washington, USA)

Background: Clinicians have long been aware that some biologic males who seek sex reassignment surgery (SRS) for gender dysphoria have histories of sexual arousal with crossdressing or cross-gender fantasy. Although Blanchard's concept of autogynephilia explained the relationship between paraphilic arousal to feminization and the desire for SRS, his theory is not widely known or accepted. This survey explored the role of autogynephilic eroticism in transsexual women's decisions to seek SRS.

Methods: Participants were recruited through the author's Internet medical website for transsexual women. Their narratives were transmitted anonymously by a CGI e-mail program.

Results: Over 90 responses were received, most from self-identified transsexual women. Respondents frequently reported that:

  • autogynephilic sexual feelings had played a part in their decisions to seek SRS;
  • they had sometimes doubted they were "really" transsexual because of their feelings;
  • they had imagined they were unique in experiencing autogynephilic arousal;
  • they had been unwilling to disclose their feelings to caregivers;
  • autogynephilic imagery was obligatory for sexual performance;
  • autogynephilic eroticism continued after SRS;
  • cross-gender feelings had preceded overt autogynephilic arousal;
  • autogynephilic arousal could coexist with androphilia.

Excerpts from typical narratives will be presented.

Conclusions: Many male-to-female transsexuals seek SRS in response to their experience of

paraphilic arousal associated with feminization. The success of SRS as a treatment for gender dysphoria associated with autogynephilic eroticism is logical in both psychopharmacologic and existential terms. Implications for clinical care will be discussed.