It is a necessary distinction in today's world.

A transsexualism (TS) came into the world with a birth condition, with significant medical implications. An individual can achieve full partial or awareness of the condition at various stages throughout one's lifetime, but it does not change the underlying medical reality.

The term "transsexual" has been co-opted at times by others to fulfill a socio-political agenda of their own. It often includes an assertion that medical treatment is optional. There is a particular deemphasis on the Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) sought by people born with TS.

Transgender advocacy would have it that "gender" and "sex" are human social constructs that have no meaningful basis in biology. Whatever the internal impulses and sense of self that drive people, outward "presentation" is enough to identify a person's place along a broad, and fluid, gender spectrum.

We do not accept any attempt to include us under an overarching transgender sociopolitical umbrella. We emphasize the specific needs of TS people. This does not mean that TG goals are altogether wrong, but simply that people born with TS have practical needs left unattended by current political advocacy.

Please note that this position is most criticized by the holders of urban human rights political positions. TS-Si strongly advoctes human rights; we do not advocate disrespect or inequality before the law that would penalize the TG-identified population.

TS-Si has no position on private belief systems unless they become the basis for destructive public policy. There is a progressive realization in legal and professional circles that identifying TS persons is essential to the effective acceptance, medical treatment, and legal protection of transsexuals as they transition into society.

Asserting that Sex Reassignment Surgery (SRS) is an option for a person born with TS, even when all other factors are favorable, promotes pseudoscientific approaches to public policy. Denying the underlying medical reality of people born with TS has the consequent effect of characterizing SRS as elective surgery that is minimally cosmetic and not reconstructive.

Many people face obstacles on their path that defer SRS. Medical and financial considerations can force delays for extended periods, perhaps permanently. This is unfortunate: TS-Si and others work hard for the day when such obstacles no longer stand in the way of pre-operative individuals and they can achieve full correction.

The TS-Si Research Service consolidates information on research initiatives and findings relevant to the misalignment of brains and anatomical sex. The service tracks key scientific and medical developments from early consideration of research opportunities and published findings through practical application in clinical settings.

Researchers and students from qualifying institutions regularly receive special emailings from TS-Si that consist of abstracts and other materials that support their interest areas.

The TS-Si News Service is a collaborative effort by TS-Si.org editors, contributors, and corresponding institutions. The sources can include the cited individuals and organizations, as well as TS-Si.org staff contributions. Articles and news reports do not necessarily convey official positions of TS-Si, its partners, or affiliates.

We welcome your comments. Use the form below to leave a public comment or send private correspondence via the TS-Si Contact Page. We will not divulge any personal details or place you on a mailing list without your permission.

TS-Si is dedicated to the acceptance, medical treatment, and legal protection of individuals correcting the misalignment of their brains and their anatomical sex, while supporting their transition into society as hormonally reconstituted and surgically corrected citizens.