Tranny* not tyranny

* The term is used for educational and linguistic purposes. Apologies if you find it offensive. 

The newly revised Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) probably won’t find its way on your 2013-must-read-list. The manual, however, marks a milestone for transgender individuals and advocates, as the term gender identity disorder will be replaced with gender dysphoria[1]. Arguably, the change is meant to break down the stigma of mental illness and discrimination against transgender, but it is also an eerily familiar path that some had travelled before.

Homosexuality was initially removed from the DSM in 1973 but a new diagnosis, ego-dystonic homosexuality, was subsequently created for the manual[2]. It took over a decade later for all homosexual related conditions to be completely lifted[3] and for homosexuality to be accepted as a normal human experience. Today, equality and civil rights for homosexuals are still few far and between; and for the transgender community the new term indicates that the struggle for recognition has only just begun.

Some governments have taken steps to remove discrimination against transgender by relaxing the procedures of changing gender classification on legal documents. The UK[4], US[5] and Australia[6] allow their citizens to change the gender classification on their passports on the basis of a letter from medical practitioner; sexual reconstruction surgery is not a pre-requisite. In Argentina gender can be changed without declaration or medical evidence, and New Zealand is currently looking into shifting to a similar position[7].

This means well but it also means transgender individuals have to conform to the general classification of gender, male or female, to avoid discriminations. Why should they compromise to the society’s idea of ‘normal’, and why couldn’t there be a gender category for transgender and everything under its umbrella? In Australia, intersex individuals, those who do not identify with the sex assigned to them at birth, can opt for gender option ‘X’ on their passports[8]. But we’ve got to ask ourselves if labeling is the right approach to promote tolerance and acceptance or will it invite further discrimination since the target is out in the open.

While some tyrannies have to be fought with revolution and global movement, some can be toppled with early education at homes, schools and beyond. Discrimination and negative perception is the kind of tyranny that can go by unnoticed but its effect to society is no less damaging. Struggles for freedom and equality must come from the masses just like what we’ve seen recently with the Arab Spring and the Global Occupy movement. Each of us can play a role in educating others and ourselves, and with the use social media we are more connected and empowered than ever. You’d be surprised what a tweet, a hash tag or a facebook status post can achieve, and on that note here’s one from me – Say ‘Yes’ to tranny and ‘No’ to tyranny.

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[1] DSM-5 Development (http://www.dsm5.org/Pages/Default.aspx)

[2] Facts About Homosexuality and Mental Health (http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/rainbow/html/facts_mental_health.html)

[3] Ibid.

[4] Gender Recognition Act 2004 (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2004/7/crossheading/applications-for-gender-recognition-certificate)

[5] New Policy on Gender Change in Passports Announced (http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2010/06/142922.htm)

[6] Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (https://www.passports.gov.au/web/sexgenderapplicants.aspx)

[7] Transgender passport changes possible (http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/7211722/Transgender-passport-changes-possible)

[8] Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (https://www.passports.gov.au/web/sexgenderapplicants.aspx)