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A trans (or, transgender) person is anyone whose gender identity does not align with the gender expectations that are placed upon their assigned sex; a cis (or, cisgender) person, by contrast, is anyone whose gender identity aligns with these expectations. For example, if someone has a penis, and identifies with masculinity or as a man, then they are cisgender; if someone has a penis and identifies with or as a non-masculine gender, then they are trans. Transsexuality refers generally to trans identities and lived experiences, and cissexuality refers to cis identities and lived experiences. Gender itself is a behavioral achievement, while assigned sex is framed as a biological fact. “Be male!” is an unintelligible command, while “Be a man!” is used to motivate male-bodied individuals to “man up” by reaffirming their alignment with masculine gender expectations. Gender is thus performative, sex is assumptive, and there are consequences that occur when the assumption of sex is violated by non-normative gender presentations.
In this essay, I will describe arguments for and against the representation of transsexuality in the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), and answer whether its inclusion as a diagnosis is overall more helpful or harmful to trans people. I will first outline how transsexuality has been represented in the DSM to represent the viewpoint of psychiatric professionals on the topic of transsexuality. I will then present the opposing viewpoint by outlining…
