Legally male and pregnant. Either I understand gender identity or I don't--I just can't work out which.

So, he was born a female, underwent some reassignment surgery but kept the female reproductive organs? But is legally a man?

I admit I don't understand what criteria must be met in order for a transgendered person to be *legally* considered their "new" gender. Wouldn't having female reproductive organs pretty much be a criterion that puts one definitively in the "female" camp? In legal terms, that is? (Obviously, a person can self-identify as whatever gender he/she wishes. But in the eyes of the government, what does it take, if not reproductive organs?)

Interesting.

I admit I don't understand what criteria must be met in order for a transgendered person to be *legally* considered their "new" gender.

IIRC, it varies by state, but commonly you have to live as your preferred gender for at least a year before you can be considered legally that gender. My understanding is that "bottom surgery" is actually much less common than most non-trans people assume.

Happy Birthday, Allyson!

Most. Distrubing. Teddy Bear. Ever.

I don't find it disturbing at all... not sure what all the fuss is about.

Dude, it looks less like a bear, more like a morbidly obese Furry caught in the process of suiting up!

Admittedly, not as freaky as JZ's stuffed animal. But then that's true of most David Cronenberg creations as well.

"Bottom surgery" is serious business, it's not cosmetic. (not that cosmetic surgery isn't serious as well). It's a major surgery with long recovery time, so I'm not surprised that most people don't elect to get it.

I do think that being upset that health professionals won't use the male gender is expecting a bit much, though.

Happy birthday, Allyson!!

The word "birthday" reminded me that today is also my niece's birthday--I'll have to call her tonight to give her my happies since I forgot to send her a card. Oh, well, I'll be able to see her in a few weeks.

Happy birthday to Allyson!

My Task of the Afternoon is cataloging homework. I am so dreading this that I am now considering working on my annual review self-assessment instead. Yes, it is that bad.

Also, I bring you Babies In The Snow (mine): [link]

This is the house in my hood that I want right now. [link] It's only a block away, but a house not a co-op and more than double the size of my place. I'd have to figure out how to make the 3rd fl a private access apt. well, after I won the lotto so that I could buy it.

Oh wow, msbelle. I want that house too.

[Actually I want this one which is a block away from my very first apt in NYC.]

My understanding is that "bottom surgery" is actually much less common than most non-trans people assume.

Right. Not least because, F-to-M surgery is kind of... not really perfected. I gather M-to-F is much further along, but I don't know how it does on the "retain sensation" scale. (And anyway, in general, who takes a sharp knife to the crotch in the absence of necessity? Besides all those scary people who want designer cooters on Dr. 90210?)

flea, I hate to break it to you, but your kids aren't babies! I can't believe how big the Dillo is.