I Have Transitioned; I Wish I Would Have Known...Case Studies of Expectations

As people who identify as transgender continue to come into the spotlight of both the medical and political community, more conflicts arise in many arenas as sides are taken, laws are questioned, and ethics are reviewed. Questioning gender identity is vastly different from taking steps to surgically transition. Gender identity and sexuality are affected. Quality of life (QOL), as well as feelings of gender congruence are brought into play with hormone replacement, gender assignment surgery (GAS), and embracing of the new identity. With so much at stake, and so much to lose, the question begs, “Are people who sense regret, and wish to transition back to their birth gender truly supported and able?” Studies have shown both sides. This author agrees that for the truth to be revealed through research, the people who have actually experienced GAS, and surgically transitioned for an amount of time, ought to be involved in answering this question. Qualitative research captures the lived experience. This study involves case studies of people who transitioned late in life, then de-transitioned due to a variety of variables. Two common themes are how well-meaning health care professionals promoted a belief that becoming a “real” woman for men transitioning to women was a possibility, and that transition would make them happy.