Confronting Autogynephilia

Abstract

In this chapter, transsexual informants who had experienced autogynephilic arousal described their reactions to learning about the theory of autogynephilic transsexualism for the first time. Many reported that they were amazed, relieved, or gratified to have discovered a theory that seemed to describe them. Some were reassured by the knowledge that other transsexuals shared similar feelings; others reported that the theory helped them feel more legitimately transsexual and achieve greater self-understanding. A few said that the theory allowed them to resolve the cognitive dissonance that came from believing they were genuinely transsexual but having been told that “real” transsexuals did not experience sexual arousal with cross-dressing. Some informants reported, however, that recognizing themselves in the theory was disconcerting or was associated with feelings of distress, sadness, or shame. Several informants had been reluctant to admit their autogynephilic feelings to their therapists or had lied to them about their feelings. Others had been unwilling to discuss autogynephilia with other MtF transsexuals. Some informants felt that autogynephilia had been a motivating factor in their desire to be women or to seek sex reassignment, but others were unsure, and a few denied that autogynephilia had been a motive.