The former transsexual: A case study

Abstract

The case is presented of a biological male, diagnosed as transsexual, who lived as a female for a considerable period and then returned to the male role. The subject came within days of having genital surgery, deciding to return to the male role after surgery was canceled due to policy changes at a hospital. A number of factors are offered as possible correlatives to the decision to return to the original gender role. These include increase in assertiveness, decrease in gender-role stereotyping, religious conversion, improvement of vocational state, and falling in love. It is suggested that the original diagnosis of transsexualism is not invalidated by the subject's subsequent decision. The relationship between personality characteristics such as passivity and the tendency of such clients to apply rigid stereotypes to gender is discussed. The importance of an extended trial period prior to genital surgery is reinforced by the present case, and it is suggested that increased attention be given to gender-role stereotyping among sex reassignment candidates.