"Being" vs. "Fetish"-
Okay, this is my term for the major two viewpoints floating in the Psych world, those who see us as "being", and others who proclaim we are about a "fetish".
(You already know which side I am coming in on... so this will not be an impartial survey.)
The "Being" view basically sees Trans folks as having a birth defect... something went differently prior to birth, and that our re-made lives are an attempt to heal the condition.
The "Fetish" theory is one that postulates us as having a craving, a mental illness, and that in re-making ourselves as Trans, we are satisfying/giving into that need.
"Being" implies that our situation is not about a choice of being Trans. "Fetish" is all about making the choice to be Trans.
"Being" is about healing the wound... "Fetish" is the keeping of a wound open.
Many in the Psych world support the "Being" theory. The "Fetish" supporters come primarily from the Blanchard-Bailey-Lawrence school.
Below are links to some of the better critiques and explanations of the disagreements between the two schools of thought...
A Bailey-Blanchard-Lawrence Clearinghouse
Joan Roughgarden on the "Bailey Affair"
Dr. Lawrence Defends Dr. Bailey
Dr. Becky's "Take" on Dr. Bailey
Other's Thoughts on the Theories of Blanchard-Bailey-Lawrence
Bailey "Outed"! (Very funny tale.)
My Thoughts on this Matter
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