- Joined
- Jan 29, 2022
TiF asks a controversial question on r/ftmmen.
Link | Archive

Link | Archive

If you don't need dysphoria to be trans, then is being trans a choice?
Before anything else I want to state that yes, this is throwaway account because I don't want to be harassed. I also want to say that I'm not looking for an argument or debate, but rather a respectful discussion. I'm posting on this sub for two main reasons; I'm a trans man and this is a trans male space, and this sub tends to be neutral when it comes to trans politics.
I am what many may call a "transmed" or "truscum". Although I don't care for being labelled as such due to negative connotations. I do believe being trans is inherently medical (a condition you're born with) and requires at least some level of physical gender dysphoria. I don't believe social dysphoria is enough on it's own. If a stranger misgenders me, I'm not dysphoric because I was called she/her, I'm dysphoric because in order for that stranger to perceive me as a woman they saw my incorrect female sex characteristics. It'd be silly to be completely female-presenting and expect people, let alone strangers, to perceive me as male.
If you are dysphoric, you'd want some level of medical transition to alleviate your dysphoria. (I am not saying that you need to medically transition, but rather you should at least want to medically transition to some degree). If you're not dysphoric, how are you trans? To my understanding, if you lack dysphoria, then you're choosing to be trans. It's a choice for you. And if being trans is a personal choice, why should we have any legal or medical support? Why should the government allow us to update our documents or protect us for discrimination? Why should we be allowed to use the correct restrooms/changing rooms? Why should insurance companies cover our medical transition?
I'd like to understand the other side of this. Are there any non-dysphoric trans men here? What are you thoughts and feelings on the subject? I'm only 19, so I'm not going to pretend I know everything. I'd never police someone's identity or argue with whether they're actually trans or not, I tend to mind my own business. I'm just sharing my personal thoughts.
(edited for typos)