A Different Perspective

Abstract

Dreger has written an unusually long article detailing the events of this ‘‘controversy,’’ but she does not comment on how to resolve conflicts between researchers and subjects (or the community being studied) or place the ‘‘controversy’’ in the larger history of dissent against the Autogynephilia theory. Unfortunately, due to space limitations, those issues cannot be discussed here. Dreger also implies that the concerns of transsexual activists are not supported by a careful review of The Man Who Would Be Queen (TMWWBQ); a very different perspective will be presented. As Dreger did, I believe it is important to detail my background. I also have been on the receiving end of a withering and unfounded personal attack for my professional writing (see Kleinplatz & Moser, 2005; Moser & Kleinplatz, 2005). I am a physician who cares for a large number of transsexual patients, and a psychotherapist who regularly evaluated and counseled transsexual patients prior to my medical career. I am a sex researcher who has been quite critical of the ‘‘Autogynephilia Theory,’’ but critical of the ‘‘Feminine Essence Theory’’ as well. I do not believe I have ever met Dreger. I know Bailey, Blanchard, and Lawrence both professionally and personally; we have often disagreed, but always in a professional manner. I believe they are good and honest people, trying to find answers to basic sex and gender questions and how to help people with these concerns; I have the same quest. I do believe they are profoundly wrong in the case of Autogynephilia. From my interactions with Bailey, I do not believe he is homophobic, heterosexist, sexist, or transphobic. Nevertheless, from his writings and statements, I understand how someone could come to the opposite conclusion. I do not believe that Bailey, Dreger, or any researcher should be the recipient of the treatment outlined in the article for presenting his or her beliefs, research, opinion, ideas, etc. Although I disagree strongly with Bailey’s conclusions about transsexuality and many of his other professional beliefs, he has the absolute right to present them and not suffer the attacks he has. I do not know Conway, James, or McCloskey, except by reputation. None of my following remarks should be construed as supportive of them, their accusations against Bailey, or their tactics.