So what is the difference between a transsexual who really is one and is ready for SRS; and person who says?

...they are transsexual and wants to get a SRS, but is deemed unfit for one after the recommended psychological counseling?





Why is one mentally ill and not a likely candidate and the other is not, when they both really want the surgery?|||IMO anyone who is transsexual can be approved for surgery. People who are turned away are usually not transsexual. There are certain conditions that can mask themselves as transsexualism are cause people to THINK they are transsexual.





Further you pointed out the problem yourself: The person is "mentally ill". The whole point of psychological counseling is to show that transsexual people are NOT mentally ill. Which brings us back to what I already said: Some conditions mask themselves as transsexualism and people think they are transsexual.





Basically the Standards of Care are set up to keep non-transsexual people from making a BIG mistake they will regret, while at the same time providing support for those who are transsexual.|||I don't think there is a difference.





I think the desire alone says they are both trans.





Having surgery is not the defining factor of being transsexual. A lot of people see it that way though. Even within the trans community, there's a lot of underlying 'I'm more trans than you because I have had surgery" kinda thing going on, and I don't think that's right.





A lot of trans people don't get surgery for various reasons. Medical reasons, financial reasons, coming out on the job reasons, etc. I don't think surgery alone should be used as an indicator of how "truly trans" someone is.





I think the desire for SRS should be the indicator. I also think it's completely stupid that we have to go through a therapist, who is often NOT trans, to get their "permission" to get surgery. How can a cisgendered person possibly know about the desires a trans person has towards SRS surgery? I just don't think it's right.|||My suggestion would be to read the Standards Of Care(SOC) for yourself that way you can find out why this happens.








http://wpath.org/Documents2/socv6.pdf|||I agree with Dr. Cox and RadGal answers. Transexuals are born transexuals but therapy is needed to verify.|||Radgal got it right. Can't add to that one!


Sharon