A web space devoted to the propagation of reliable information about the theory known as Autogynephilia. Our intention is provide a clear and precise explanation of this hypothesis, and to present a variety of supporting articles concerning this theory. Our hope is to alleviate much of the misunderstanding caused by the dissemination of incomplete and biased information.

 

At the time I am writing this, an Internet search using the word  “autogynephilia” as a search term will come up with numerous pages whose owner’s proclaim that they can define the concept. What one will find on most of these pages is an attempt at deconstruction. Numerous writers claim to understand Dr. Ray Blanchard’s motivations in developing this theory. Many misread the theory through the process of personalizing whatever information they have come across on the subject.

 

A few individuals have expended much time and energy towards the end of discrediting those who have done research in this area, and written favorably concerning the theory. Much of the output of these individuals consists of unsubstantiated accusations of wrongdoing. The two most prolific of this crowd claim to be engaged in an ongoing investigation.  The result of their labors resemble the pages of a scandal rag. It is unfortunate that many from outside the transsexual community read these pages and form a negative impression of transsexuals. These two are not at all representative of the community, even as they present themselves as  leaders within it.

 

Indeed,  Autogynephilia has become a political issue for many transsexuals. In such an environment truth becomes a casualty. These pages will hopefully achieve the goal of achieving balance, of presenting facts rather than invective.

 

Here the principals will speak for themselves. I have asked Dr. Blanchard to write for this site, and he has graciously agreed. He has allowed the use of materials that should be helpful in understanding this theory, He has written about the origins of the theory in a separate essay, and has helped me by providing a list of pertinent journal articles. All these can be found here.

 

I have asked Professor Michael Bailey, Chairman of the Psychology Department at Northwestern University to contribute material also. As many reading this know, he is the author of “The Man Who Would Be Queen”. (This book can be read in its entirety at Nat'l Academies Press, The Man Who Would Be Queen: (2003) ) Despite the controversy surrounding this volume, it is a welcome and needed addition to the gender literature. It is unfortunate that those who have been offended by its seeming contents fail to understand that science is a process. There is value even when we disagree with certain precepts. Professor Bailey has written about the controversy involving the book, and the events that led to its occurrence.

 

Dr. Anne Lawrence’s web site http://www.annelawrence.com/ is an excellent resource for information on many subjects that concern transsexuality. Nevertheless, I have asked her to contribute here as well. She shall do so as her own busy schedule allows.

 

Willow Arune, who has written extensively on the subject, as well as upon the controversy it has created, has also graciously offered to contribute essays. Her perspective as a transsexual woman who finds validity in the autogynephilia theory is valuable; her insight is unique, her analytical talents extraordinary.

 

There will be others as well. We hope to be the Real Autogynephilia clearinghouse. Along those lines, I offer a caveat; which is to accept no imitations. This is the genuine article. And it is our hope that you, the reader will find this site to be useful and informative.

 

 

 

Origins of the Concept of Autogynephilia  This is a document written by Dr. Ray Blanchard which places Autogynephilia in its proper historical context. Dr. Blanchard discusses earlier theories and their significance, especially in relation to his development of the Autogynephilic model. He also discusses the effect of his own research and experience upon the development of the theory.

 

Autogynephilia and the Taxonomy of Gender Identity Disorders in Biological Males  This is a presentation on the research parameters and methods used by Dr. Blanchard in his development, and documentation of the Autogynephilia theory. It was first given at a symposium on “Phenomenology and classification of male-to-female transsexualism” at the meeting of the International Academy of Sex Research in Paris, France in June, 2000.

 

Theoretical and Clinical Parallels Between Body Integrity Identity Disorder and Gender Identity Disorder  This essay explains why Dr. Blanchard believes that researchers on Gender Identity Disorder can benefit from research done on Body Integrity Identity Disorder, and vice versa. The parallels between the two occurrences are rather striking. This presentation was given at the Third Annual International BIID Meeting, at Columbia University, NYC  in June, 2003.

 

A Brief History of the Social Acceptance of Sex Reassignment Surgery  This is somewhat self-explanatory. Despite Dr. Blanchard’s modest assertion that he is not a historian, this is a most informative presentation. This is the second half of the presentation given at the Third Annual International BIID Meeting.

 

I AM ARUNE Willow Arune answers her critics, and gives a rather detailed perspective on how Autogynephilia has benefited the transsexual community, rather than harmed it. She also addresses various objections to the theory, as well as criticisms of J. Michael Bailey’s book, “The Man Who Would Be Queen”.

 

The Case For And Against Publicly Funded Transsexual Surgery  In recent years many Canadian provinces, including Ontario, has stopped the public funding of Sex Reassignment Surgeries. In this print based debate, Dr. Blanchard and Dr. J. Paul Federoff argue the two sides of this issue. Dr. Blanchard takes the position that Sex Reassignment Surgery is a valid and effective means of treatment for those diagnosed as transsexual. This is a PDF document, which requires the use of the Adobe Reader.

 

 Academic McCarthyism   J. Michael Bailey, professor of psychology at Northwestern University, and the author of “The Man Who Would Be Queen” offers a personal perspective on the controversy surrounding the book’s publication. In doing so, he sets the record straight as to the veracity and significance of the various accusations that have been made against him by several self-proclaimed leaders of the transsexual community. In the space of a few pages he efficiently negates the effect of hundreds of pages of distortions, lies and innuendo that have been written on this matter.

 

About This Website  I have been asked about what motivated me to start this site. In this short essay I discuss the process which led to its creation.

                                                                                                          

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Relevant Articles by Dr. Ray Blanchard On this page are abstracts  for a number of articles written by Dr Blanchard. Some directly concern autogynephilia; others illustrate typologies. Additionally, we have included articles concerning allied subjects of interest. We would like to make the full articles available, but that is far beyond our resources at this time. The abstracts do contain information that summarize rather well the full contents of the articles/

 

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Much of the commentary on autogynephilia  has emanated from those who could be defined as autogynephilic using Dr. Blanchard’s definitions. Since many of those people are discomforted by their perceptions of this occurrence their writings are often motivated more by emotional reaction than a desire for rational exposition. Conversely, there have been some writings by homosexual transsexuals on the subject which are insightful and based in part upon an intelligent reading of  earlier authoritative material.

 

Transkids.us contains such commentary and analysis.  Of particular interest are the various essays written by contributors to the site. http://www.transkids.us/essays.html These are a valuable contribution to the available literature. The writers are quite knowledgeable about the subject material and their interpretations are astute and thought-provoking.                                                           

 

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Questions or comments regarding this website can be sent to LFAnderson@autogynephilia.org

 

 

Lisanne Ferne Anderson

 

Updated on 11/09/05