This page covers Jamie's life as a transgender journalist and personality.

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Autogynephilia Revisited

I recently visited the Hormel GLBT book collection at the San Francisco Public Library. They have two copies of the J. Michael Bailey book "The Man Who Would Be Queen", so I have been able to read the chapters on MtF transsexuality that have ignited widespread outrage.

I also revisited the critics websites and it appears that the controversy has died down somewhat.

In earlier writings here, and in personal communications with several of the critics, I have lamented the relative absence of scientific criticism of the autogynephilia theory. As I regard ad homenium attacks as the squeals of sacred cows in distress, I was quite skeptical of everyones position.

Fortunately psychologist Katherine Heather has written a readable critique of the Blanchard theory. It is part of a web site she developed dealing with developmental psychology from a transgender perspective. While there are flaws in the critique, its a good start and an excellent example of the type of discourse that advances understanding rather than just raising anger.

Probably the biggest problem I have delving into this matter is that Blanchard's original papers are hard to find. While some are available at outrageous prices on the Internet, to really drill into this, one must have access to a university library with a good sexology collection.

I have a crackpot theory about what is really going on here - and will be writing it down soon. One thing is clear: The waters are dangerous. Fortunately I have no academic credentials or qualifications, so I can continue to be the fool that points out naked aristocrats.



posted by Jamie at 5:23 PM