Autogynephilia vs. Homosexual Transsexual

Attribute	Autogynephilia	Homosexual Transsexual
Sexual orientation	Attraction to oneself as a woman	Attraction to individuals of the same biological sex
Origin of gender dysphoria	Focus on internal fantasy or image of oneself as a woman	Identification with the opposite gender from birth
Relationship to gender identity	May or may not identify as transgender	Identifies as transgender
Common in transgender women	Yes	Less common

Definition

Autogynephilia is a term used to describe a male's sexual arousal or desire to be a woman. This arousal can manifest in fantasies, cross-dressing, or other behaviors related to femininity. On the other hand, Homosexual Transsexual refers to individuals who are assigned male at birth but identify as female and are attracted to other males.

Origin

Autogynephilia is a concept introduced by psychologist Ray Blanchard in the 1980s. He proposed that there are two distinct types of male-to-female transgender individuals: homosexual transsexuals and autogynephilic transsexuals. Homosexual transsexuals have been recognized in the medical community for much longer, with early studies dating back to the mid-20th century.

Sexual Orientation

One of the key differences between autogynephilia and homosexual transsexualism is the individual's sexual orientation. Autogynephilic individuals are typically attracted to women, while homosexual transsexuals are attracted to men. This distinction is important in understanding the underlying motivations and experiences of these individuals.

Motivation for Transition

Autogynephilic individuals may be motivated to transition in order to fulfill their desire to become a woman and to experience themselves as female. This motivation is often driven by a deep-seated need to express their femininity and to live as a woman. On the other hand, homosexual transsexuals may transition in order to align their physical body with their gender identity and to live authentically as a woman in society.

Relationship with Gender Dysphoria

Both autogynephilia and homosexual transsexualism are associated with gender dysphoria, a condition where individuals experience distress due to a misalignment between their gender identity and assigned sex at birth. However, the nature of this dysphoria may differ between the two groups. Autogynephilic individuals may experience dysphoria related to their desire to be female, while homosexual transsexuals may experience dysphoria related to their assigned male body and social role.

Transition Goals

Autogynephilic individuals may have different goals for their transition compared to homosexual transsexuals. For autogynephilic individuals, the focus may be on achieving a feminine appearance and fulfilling their desire to be seen as a woman. In contrast, homosexual transsexuals may prioritize aligning their physical body with their gender identity and living as a woman in society, regardless of their appearance.

Medical Treatment

Both autogynephilia and homosexual transsexualism may involve medical interventions such as hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries. However, the specific treatment goals and outcomes may vary between the two groups. Autogynephilic individuals may seek treatments to enhance their feminine appearance and fulfill their desire to be female, while homosexual transsexuals may focus on aligning their physical body with their gender identity and living authentically as a woman.

Social Experiences

Autogynephilic individuals and homosexual transsexuals may have different social experiences related to their gender identity and sexual orientation. Autogynephilic individuals may face challenges related to societal perceptions of their motivations for transitioning and their sexual orientation. Homosexual transsexuals may face discrimination and stigma related to their gender identity and sexual orientation, particularly in conservative or non-affirming environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, autogynephilia and homosexual transsexualism are two distinct phenomena within the transgender community. While both involve a desire to transition from male to female, the underlying motivations, sexual orientation, and experiences of these individuals may differ significantly. Understanding these differences is important for providing appropriate support and care for individuals navigating their gender identity and transition journey.