We gotta defend what it means to be 'transsexual'.

I admit I'm a real hard-arse when it comes to the definition of 'transsexual' -- to me, a transsexual is someone who transitions physically (with the intent to pass / go stealth) to alleviate dysphoria. A transsexual is what you are once you transition and go full-time, a transsexual is someone who lives as the sex opposite to their assigned sex at birth. Before that, they suffer from gender dysphoria. But becoming a transsexual is the result of treating dysphoria. You aren't just a transsexual by default just because you have dysphoria. You might become transsexual, sure. You might not. That does happen.

It matters because if we're not strict about it, people can attempt to erode the definition. Someone yesterday was attempting to erode it to include people who are 'unable' to physically transition. Wait, what? I have compassion for those genuinely in this position, but if they want to call themselves transsexual, that's attempting to co-opt it as an identity label. That's not on!

'Transsexual' is not an identity label, any more than 'diabetic' or 'schizophrenic' are. Like those others, it is the result of treating a medical condition, like being insulin-dependent or having to take lithium. It is a state of physical being required to sync with an inherent state of mental being.

It is, I repeat, _not_ an identity label.

Now we can quibble and some of you will say that if you're intending to physically transition and you're taking steps towards that, that should be good enough to join the 'transsexual' club a bit early (yikes!) Fine. If you really wanna join this club so badly, fine. But not if you're like non-everything because it's 'too hard' for you. It's hard for everyone! You can't call yourself a competitive swimmer if you don't even get in the pool.

You have to at least be on the path to be taken as the opposite sex to your assigned sex at birth. And even then, I'd still call you 'pre-transition' or 'pre-op' wherever you are on it. Reality matters, definitions matter.

Please don't let the tucutes erode transsexualism to the point where they can co-opt it.

Please.