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Lake Worth City Manager Susan Stanton, formerly Largo City Manager Steve Stanton, is the subject of a two-hour CNN documentary scheduled to air this weekend .
She hopes it will alter public perceptions about gender change.
“I hope to give people another perspective,” Stanton said. “I’m hoping when people see it they’ll say: ‘I get it. I understand why people do this.’”
CNN crews followed Stanton around for two years and made use of video monologues and diary entries to produce Her Name Was Steven, scheduled to air at 8 and 11 p.m. today and Sunday and the following days at 2 a.m.
“It’s something I’m very proud of,” Stanton said. “I gave CNN intimate access to my life. They were in the operating room.”
A CNN crew also was in Sarasota when Stanton was served with divorce papers.
Parts of the film that include Stanton’s son, 16-year-old Travis, are highlights for the Lake Worth city manager.
“The main story line is the love of a father and son,” Stanton said.
Steve Stanton had worked for the Pinellas County town of Largo for 17 years when he was fired in February 2007 after city officials learned of his plans to become a woman.
Largo commissioners complained about the disruption and said they’d lost trust in his leadership. One pastor proclaimed that “if Jesus was here tonight, I guarantee you he’d want him terminated.”
“This is the story of one person,” said Bud Bultman, executive producer of the documentary, who has traveled the country with Stanton promoting the work at film festivals. “It’s not the story of all transgender people. It gives you a feel for what Susan dealt with — the pain of that transition and the joys as well.”
The documentary ends with a note that Stanton was chosen in April for the $150,000-a-year job as Lake Worth’s city manager.
“It’s sort of like the happy ending that she got the job in Lake Worth,” Bultman said.
Based on the national discussion sparked by Stanton’s firing in Largo, other local governments such as Lake Worth and Palm Beach County updated their codes to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity.
“She was hired because she was the best candidate for the job,” Lake Worth City Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill said. Mulvehill said she hopes the documentary portrays Lake Worth as “a welcoming community.”
Stanton, 51, is scheduled to have her first review as city manager on March 29.
“We’re a very, very open city,” Mayor Rene Varela said, adding that the city commission hires people “based on the content of their character, not on the wrapper on the outside.”
Tony Plakas, chief executive officer of Compass, the Lake Worth-based gay and lesbian community center, said the Stanton documentary is educational and reflects well on Lake Worth.
“There’s a strong sense of social justice in Lake Worth,” Plakas said. “Somebody referred to us as the San Francisco of Florida, and we’re quickly becoming that.”
Judge “her” by the quality of life in Lake Worth.
One whole story about the “love of a father and son”, the intimate inside the operation peek, and the “pain” of adjusting afterward, the welcomeness of Lake Worth…
Yet not a word about how she’s done on the job. I don’t know: sounds like she’s positively benefitting from the intimate details of the outer wrappings, being “welcomed” for that, regardless of how she’s doing in a $150,000-a-year job.
Oh, and collecting a whole bunch of gay and transgender people in one welcoming “ghetto” does not a San Francisco make. Just sayin’
It’s sad but true that America has a long way to go before it’s “Liberty & Justice for all”.
I’m sure after his/her experience on the JOB in Largo (17years) lake Worth will be a better place for being open to everyone.
What is the content of her character anyways, or is that coming in the follow up to this story, after her performance review?
Remember how that poor sportswriter Christine, who garnered such favorable coverage for her transition, sadly ended up.
Sometimes, it’s best to leave a story alone, and report solely on her performance as a public figure: the content of character, quality of work stuff.
Keep the private stuff left … private. For the woman to share with her close family, her son.
Honestly how foolish is that pastor stating if Jesus were here, he’d terminate this (umm/sheman?) woman. Seriously any religious organizations who state such ridiculous notions should not be preaching nor should they be allowed to be a pastor. Stop being feeble minded and grow up people. Times are changing, get used to people’s different sexual orientation/gender. Stop acting like such a bigot.
Fully agree.
What gets me is that God is love and His people get to hate?
Really…………….
People of God are supposed to represent the will and love of God.
I mean think about it. You may or may not agree. So what? Who is anyone to judge another? It’s ok to judge yourself, but that is about it.
Totally agree with the shock of the pastor’s comment! I enjoyed the show, I have many trans friends and am familiar with the obstacles faced. Every community faces challenges accepting one another (pastor for example). For me I try to remember when I feel judgmental, “There is no them, only “us”! . I logged on to this site because I was so happy that everything turned out for Susan! Good Luck to you Susan!
There is a great book called, “The Spirit and the Flesh” Walter L. Williams….a beautiful read for me as a young person.
Amen
they are right about one thing.. lake worth is very inviting… just look how many illegal aliens and criminals live there. Maybe the new Lake worth Mayor should concentrate more on the city’s crime problem rather than its sexual orientation.
You’re a moral idiot. I think Jesus would agree with me.
Faith, You wouldn’t know FAITH if it hit you right between your eyes. What the hell does faith got to do with this. This Steve character is a misfit and freak not to mention he is a disgrace to manhood. Only in Lake Worthless could this tragedy happen. It’s a circus there unfortunately this is what sells in the Media. I know I won’t watch it.
rjr…. you are the disgrace to manhood…. I think I can even say ‘human hood’. Dude,,, you come of looking like a narrow minded redneck.
Directed to “Faith”..
Sadly times are changing, but GOD does NOT!!!
The story reminds me the the very old story of Adam and eve.
He is been living in heven and fooled by satan! I asked my self who was the satan for him and why such a wealthy ,confortable , educated? fellow can be fooled and brain-washed by two important women in his life . Lack of men and man’s role model is obvious in his life. I assume as the only one and living and growing so close to his mother , never learnd man’s behaviour and probably after 7 years of marriage did not know how to handle impotance. So what there are so many people who forget their sextuallity just being busy working and can not afford luxury felliings of love and romance. steven is a very fool and gulible
character and his wife played with him like a doll. He did not realize he is fooling himself. By doing the segery and fixing herself to look like a female, he is actually feeding the society of the wrong doing of ” people have to look in a certain way” to be accepted. I believe his wife has been another enableing satan to throw him out of his heaven. The money spent for sergery could have been invested for all the mental disorderd
individuals and reserch . Who cares about our sextualiy after 50
anyway? He is victim and I am very sorry for him.
Any god that promotes hatred does *not* need to be worshiped.
It is disturbing that sexual orientation or trans-gender has to be mentioned at all. It should be about professionalism and work ethic. To Mr.Plakass, remove the Compass from your @ss.
And here I thought Lake Worth was the South Central LA of Florida. Now it’s the San Francisco of Florida? I am so confused. So, does that now make Jupiter Island Catalina or Alcatraz?
Why Susan and not Stephanie
Because he asked his mother on day “what would my name have been if I was a girl” and she replied “Susan”.
Lake Worth will never approach the slendor of San Francisco. Not just in San Francisco but in much of northern California if you’re driving and you put on your turn signal- people slow down to let you in- not like Palm Beach where they speed up to keep you from changing lanes. Floridians are like their schools- sub-standard.
Why does this matter? Would we judge someone who had plastic surgery to look different? By all accounts, she was a good city manager, something that Lake Worth desparately needs. The city of my birth has serious financial problems with most of the older homes declining sharply in value. There are many poor immigrants and gang activity is bad. The city police department was closed and turned over to the Sheriff’s office on contract. There is also an aging power plant that no one wants to buy, so city residents have to pay very high utility rates. If she can solve these problems, I don’t care if she is from Mars and is purple. America at some point needs to grow up and quit all this prudish crap. We love to judge others and act like puritans. The hypocrisy is sickening.
Right on, LW Native –
Only in Lake Worth, always pushing their liberal agenda……I find it interesting that “Susan” is a known homophobe…..ask around town, many people have been affected by it!
Lake Worth is the antidote for City Place.
She is still a man. God created her male and he will never understand female because he was created a male. Besides, she looked better as a man anyway.
God created her female inside a male body.
Or … God created a feminine man and he lived in a society where he thought he could not express himself without having radical surgery altering his natural body. Someday, we can work for a society where his feminine side will not be so difficult to express in a male body that he feels the need to surgically alter his biology to achieve that. Taking hormones no doubt alters body chemistry, and it remains to be seen in the long run how safe a choice this is. I wish he could have worked for self acceptance without the plastic surgery.
Right pooh, and we should always let things like “looks” motivate all our important decisions…
Reading some of these ignorant comments like freds and jills, makes me nervous that these ignorant folk are in our community. And they propably drive and vote…scary. People who don’t understand that gender and sexual orientation are separate issues. Such narrow minded people we have in our midst. Go Susan!
Susan-
I am honored to have met such a wonderful woman. Thank you for being a part of my open Christian community. I meant what I said the other night that I think you have the most besutiful colouring that I have ever seen. I praise you for all you have gone through!
In this case, again the Palm Beach Post and it’s writers and editors are sooo F’N wrong. This lady is a very accomplished city manager from the sun coast and worth every penny she is paid.
What a C__ppy paper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The best person was hired for the job. Those who have a problem with it are intolerant fanatics. Get over it people. Talented individuals come in all sizes and flavors. That is what makes our country so great. DIVERSITY RULES!!
Diversity Rules! True.
I remember growing up in a very conservative catholic community. At the time I believed that I was a Christian and a good person because “I Knew what the Lord wanted” I was so wrong. Moving to a bigger city where I befriended people from many ethnic and religious backgrounds opened up mind. Today I believe that We are ALL good and we are all part of Creation, We should cherish life in all forms and Preach the Gospel of Love. Be careful of the things you hate… because sooner or later it will be part of you… for ever….
If the CNN story is as embarrassing as Anderson Cooper’s interview with Chastity turned Chaz Bono the other night, please spare me. He kept asking her/him such probing questions as “How does it feel to not have breasts anymore” and “What does it feel like after taking the hormones.” Do we really need to know?
Saw the program tonight….VERY biased report in favor of Steven…typical for CNN ….
I don’t care about Steven’s personal choices… I DO care about his anti-family, perverted agenda that he want to foist on everyone… he should be fired AGAIN! and not be in the public eye or allowed to pollute the minds of young impressionable people – he is a MENACE to society….he deceived the Largo commision and selfishly abandoned his family…his so-called therapist is a disgrace to psychiatry for supporting his perverse lifestyle ….
“and selfishly abandoned his family”
You must have missed the part where she attended Thanksgiving Dinner with her family, and again and again, when she spent a great amount of quality time with her son.
Not exactly my definition of anti-family. Where do you spend Thanksgiving, and what are you thankful for?
What I really want to know is why is Wayne jealous of Susan’s publicity? Don’t worry Wayne, we can get someone to report on your ‘perverse lifestyle’ in due time. Just keep doing what your doing.
Poor Poor Wayne, well it’s not like the whole world wants to live on a Dude Ranch like you seem to portray. You must be some sick member of the kkk or the church. Too bad you dont know what real christianity truelly is. You will find out soon enoug when you meet the one you truely worship, the devil.
We need to learn more about people, have open minds and hearts. We have been trying to accept people of color now we need to put forth the effort to learn to accept those unlike ourselves. We are here on Earth for a reason, to learn to be compassionate. My heart goes out to Susan. I am behind her 100%
Nicely said Paula!
Narrow minded people who think that THEY have the only answers are the true MENANCE to society. Do you have any idea what it is like to look in the mirror and know what you are seeing is wrong or the torment a transsexual goes through every day of their life? Did you miss the parts in the bible where Jesus taught us the only true laws were to love God with all our hearts and to Love our neighbors as ourselves. I don’t remember anything about only loving the ones that think and act the way you want them to. Or the part where Paul tells us that in Christ there are no men or women?
She is rude,arrogant (conveys an air of being above the laws)and goes along with the three “non developement commissioners” in this city; to protect her job! Throwing all others to the wayside including children…treats city residents in a totally unexcusable manner! Completely Ignores Residental Imput and when questioned about this; responds with “Who Cares” “Doesn’t Matter”. In my opinion she is a waste of tax payor dollars. Has No concept of what a Public Servent means…
The only thing I have seen, her do to better in this city; is to create a City Managers Report, Weekly and make it avaible via the web.
I view this CNN Special as just another way to inflate her already over rated perception of herself and the City’s Powers.
? didn’t the same commission stay on their seats for 17yrs and allow her to maintain her position, wasn’t it when a new commission came to seat; she was fired. Is this just a ploy to excuse her poor preformance and disreguard for the wellfare of the citizen of Sarasota…?
The above stated is baised, on my experiences with her are my opinons only and are not to be taken out of context…
As far as I am concerned, I just see another Selfish Person doing whatever they want..with very little reguard. Just wondering how many people she has hurt publicly and privately that just don’t have the ability to express their true feeling….once again just my opinion…
CNN has nothing better to cover?
If you watched the show, by now you know that this person was NOT attracted to men, but women. So he went from a man attracted to women to a woman attracted to women. Your explanation doesn’t work.
Who …. Cares …. ?
He is now a she, and she is attracted to WOMEN, not men.
Do you know the sexual attraction of all the city managers in the area Cat? Do you think she’s sexxy? Sure sounds like your interest in her work is a bit … personal.
I’ve found that with people like Jill, logic is not their strong suit, and they never let facts interfere overmuch with their opinions.
There are exceptions. I hope she’s one.
Cat –
STOP DROOLING and just ask her out for heaven’s sake. This story is about a City Manager, not whom she desires to sleep with. Get over it, you seem to be the only one obsessed with what is happening in the sex life of the Lake Worth City Manager.
Again, do you personally track the sexual attractions of all the city Managers in the area? Why???
I think this was one of the most magnificent documentaries I have ever seen. It was so very well done!! For anyone NOT to understand how unhappy Steven was to go through all that he did, as far as I’m concerned those people are inhuman and incapable of understanding. It was obvious that Steven as well as Susan were soft, kind, sweet people. As for God……where was he at 9/11/, Oaklahoma, Haiti, come on, give me a break!
Lake Worth is lucky to have Susan! I wish I could meet her and shake her hand.
Don’t blame God for 9-11 or Oklahoma or the Haitian earthquake. G-d gives man free will to choose. And think of how many were rescued and lived on those dates. Don’t blaspheme.
God does not have to punish sin, it punishes itself just like hateful people on here will find out. They too will be judged and reap what they sow. Always an idiot out there worried about someone else splinctr then the bucketfull in their own eye. Get the truth, read the gosspil your hatefull so called christians.
“Can’t we all just get along………………..”
Cat, God created her in a mans body??? What kind of imbecile are you, go crawl under the rock you decided to climb out from.
ltlebitofme1–I notice that you say all these dreadful things anonymously. Typical of hateful people with no substance. This must be from one of the “dirty dozen” in Lake Worth that wants to cause havoc and hate at every chance he gets. No credibility. Click on my blog and read my commentary which is a totally different view.
Lake Worth hired Ms Stanton on her very strong qualifications to be our city manager.I have every confidence that the Lake Worth city Commissioners will grade her on her job performance,and not on her personal life.On a personal level ,I welcome Susan and am very happy that she has decided to make Lake Worth her home.
The show was an insight to someone’s deepest most private inner dealings…I don’t think anyone would CHOOSE this. I am happy that she got a job and am thankful to Lake Worth for having the COURAGE to hire someone for their skill set and not anything else.
To those who are so judgemental: The way YOU judge someone is the same way God will JUDGE YOU….I’d be careful with my words. God loves us all and he knew what He was getting when He made us…that is why we need HIM to be our life and in our life.
Susan, I wish you, your son and your ex-wife the best and hope you have found peace and happiness.
I was rather disturbed by the comment susan made of “ugly men with lipstick”as if he was different than other transvestites in some way. I believe (although don’t take this as verbatim) that he referred to the woman within him in a type spiritual sense and I’m thinking maybe this is where he is in of belief he is “different” from men who just want to dress like women?
With this said, I also found the beginning of the documentary interesting where CNN showed an actual page taken from one of his many childhood journals he kept where he described that as he was in the bathtub one day and was “lathering” (not soaping) his arms and legs he described his legs as “long and feminine” and that he looked down and (as if suddely discovering) he wasn’t a girl, but a boy.
He also made a comment of not ever feeling “totally alone” and it almost sounded to me as if he was saying someone else, another entity was sharing his body?
With this said (and noted) I can then comprehend why he does not appear to “fit” in with the gay community and does not feel any relationship to “men” wanting to dress like/look like women, stating he never had a sexual desire for men over women and it appears that the ONLY thing he was attempting to do was “become” a woman, which meant ridding himself of the offending thing that makes him a man, his penis, but not for the sexual reasons.
This I find ODD to say the least! That it was not motivated by sexual preferrance (men over women). Unless i am misunderstanding his “intentions” it appears (to me) his only objective was to “become” a woman and rid himself of everything masculine.
Possibly why he feels other transvestites who have NOT made this transition are merely “ugly men who are dressing like women.”
Saddly, he does not comprehend that by merely adding breasts and a vagina is NOT what makes a woman! It is a “state of mind” as well. One for which I have seen many an “ugly man with lipstick” appear to have more of a sense of than Steven does! (I am heterosexual cosmetologist) to me, he appears ONLY to be “going through the motions” clothes, hair, even vagina and all.
He said Steven is gone, I noticed “steven” in a number of instances in the documentary. the way Steven “hugged” the electrolysis friend, the way Steven came back to handle “how to speak” in front of a large group of people (gay supporters) at a podium. No, I think Steven is still there, hidden deEp down under the hair and clothes. But a vagina and breast does not a woman make people. There are many “women” who have breasts removed, etc.. but that does not mean they are NOT women!
What defines a “woman” is her sexuality, why I say I see some transvestites (cross dressers) who “appear” (since I really can’t say for sure not knowing Susan) more “womanly” than she.
Nevertheless, this documentary has led me to question many things regarding this issue of men who desire to change their physical appearance to go with what they “feel” inside.
I have questioned if this is soemthing that “may” not have to do with a dual spirit, spirit possession, reincarnation and I must say, this is a subject that more research is needed in regard to.
Many people say, he’s nuts, he’s a freak, etc. could even be considered a misguided soul, I don’t know, it is a curious thing, also given the fact that there are many people are facing this very same internal struggle. Is it mental disturbance, a form of mutilation of one’s body, pertaining in particular the body’s sexual parts?
However, is “Susan’s story” a true and accurate description of problems faced by a group of people with her similar circumstances or is just her story and is she trying to say it is “different?” This is my question.
I could not help but notice in the documentary the neglect for orthodontic treatment of Susan’s son’s teeth and called into question if the expense to achieve his desired objective did not take priority of basic needs of his child.
I cannot help but feel sorrow and compassion for his family, especially the child, to loose his father for a second mother, or should I say (grandmother). Yes, he waited too long and should have doen it alot sooner and It is plain to see, what he has been through has taken its toll on him/her.
I just hope he doesn’t later discover Steven resurfacing (just as Susan did) and finds himself falling in love with his electrolysis friend, or soem other woman.
So to all of you who are cross dresser transvestites, be glad you have best of “both worlds” and changing yourself is sometiems not always for the better, and can be for the worse. Be happy with WHO you are and WHAT you are, a penis removal does not a woman make!
Xsandra
Your thought process is drivel, much like your writing style. Stream of consciousness writing is clearly a skill you do not have.
Excellent commentary. One wonders if the boy had been born 20 years later if he might have accepted himself as a feminine male, and perhaps it might have taken years of therapy, but might have learned to accept himself without altering (some say mutilating) his physical body. I think, like in the bathtub scene, many children think outside the dual sexuality box. And if they are loved and encouraged to be themselves, might just accept the body and themselves. There is something funny about cutting down transvestites and cross dressers, and thinking that being a woman is merely the absence of a penis. Good comments here.
It’s nothing to do with “dual spirit, spirit possession, reincarnation” or even “mental illness”.
It’s a matter of anatomy. The sound byte – girl brain, boy body. Now that’s a gross over-simplification, only certain parts of the brain need be cross-sexed. We’re getting a good handle on that now. We had some evidence that this was the case as far back as the 1960′s, but it wasn’t very compelling. Starting about 15 years ago, we got more, a LOT more. From autopsies, and recently from MRI imagining. Male and Female brains are far more different than we ever suspected, and trans people have cross-sexed brains (in certain areas, anyway).
This isn’t just one person’s opinion. It’s not even controversial amongst neuro-anatomists, most assume that it’s something “everyone knows” by now. There’s literally hundreds of medical and scientific papers on the subject, in areas such as genetics, neurology, psychology, endocrinology, pediatrics…
Here’s a few of them – these ones are available online, so you can see for yourself:
Male-to-female transsexuals show sex-atypical hypothalamus activation when smelling odorous steroids by Berglund et al Cerebral Cortex 2008 18(8):1900-1908;
Male–to–female transsexuals have female neuron numbers in a limbic nucleus. Kruiver et al J Clin Endocrinol Metab (2000) 85:2034–2041
Sexual differentiation of the human brain: relevance for gender identity, transsexualism and sexual orientation. Swaab Gynecol Endocrinol (2004) 19:301–312.
A sex difference in the human brain and its relation to transsexuality. by Zhou et al Nature (1995) 378:68–70.
A sex difference in the hypothalamic uncinate nucleus: relationship to gender identity by Garcia-Falgueras et al Brain. 2008 Dec;131(Pt 12):3132-46.
A polymorphism of the CYP17 gene related to sex steroid metabolism is associated with female-to-male but not male-to-female transsexualism by Bentz et al Fertility and Sterility , Volume 90 , Issue 1 , Pages 56 – 59
Androgen Receptor Repeat Length Polymorphism Associated with Male-to-Female Transsexualism by Hare at al in Biol.Psych. Vol65, Issue 1, Pp 93-96
One of the latest papers is
Sexual Hormones and the Brain: An Essential Alliance for Sexual Identity and Sexual Orientation Garcia-Falgueras A, Swaab DF Endocr Dev. 2010;17:22-35
I’ll quote the abstract:
The fetal brain develops during the intrauterine period in the male direction through a direct action of testosterone on the developing nerve cells, or in the female direction through the absence of this hormone surge. In this way, our gender identity (the conviction of belonging to the male or female gender) and sexual orientation are programmed or organized into our brain structures when we are still in the womb. However, since sexual differentiation of the genitals takes place in the first two months of pregnancy and sexual differentiation of the brain starts in the second half of pregnancy, these two processes can be influenced independently, which may result in extreme cases in trans-sexuality. This also means that in the event of ambiguous sex at birth, the degree of masculinization of the genitals may not reflect the degree of masculinization of the brain. There is no indication that social environment after birth has an effect on gender identity or sexual orientation.
As I said, the soundbyte is “Girl brain, Boy body”. Susan was always female, *anatomically* female, in some respects, since before her birth. This gave her a female gender identity, regardless of appearance.
It’s a most uncomfortable situation for any woman to be in. Many can’t hack it, and suicide. Others take the only way out that’s left for them, the ordeal by fire that is transition. To change the body to match the brain.
It should really be simple, just another kind of birth anomaly, albeit one more embarrassing than most. When picked up early, such cases can have relatively normal lives. For those who try to “tough it out”… they have to follow Susan’s path.
I think from some of the comments here you can see how difficult that is. Because people don’t know, the biology is complicated, and some have religious beliefs that the world is flat – or the biological equivalent.
Why does one need to surgically alter the beauty of the body and brain they were given. With TRUE tolerance, love and acceptance, we could have very loving men (with “female brains”) acting in nuturing roles and being true to their feminine selves. Why the need for binary roles — a man is like this and looks like this. A woman thinks this way and must have breasts and pretties.
Today, many boys experiment with makeup. Many men choose to cross dress. Many men use their “female brains” to become teacher, nurses, and in healthy relationships with other men, and even women.
They accept both their brains and their bodies and don’t allow society to put them in boxes to the extent they have to undergo elective surgery to “pass”.
Again, in 20 to 40 years, with love and acceptance, boys like Steven will understand that just because they have a penis, it doesn’t alter their role and they need not feel out of place as a feminine man.
Just as years ago, nobody accepted homosexual roles and relationships as normal. Had he been brought up in a different society, I bet he might have learned to love and accept himself as he was born. Binary sexual roles, and constraining “boy brains” and “girl brains” only adds to the box-stuffings and rejections of those who act out of “gender”.
Besides, all those hormones and surgeries involve risk. Accept yourself and your child for who they are underneath the wrapping. This person here obviously is advancing his life, and garnering publicity, because of his change. But down deep, in the brain and underneath, he’s no better nor any less a person he was before he surgically had the penis and testicles removed. And guess what? Chromosomes determine gender scientifically. When it come to health or blood tests, this is a castrated male, despite the outer costume and plastic surgery design.
(Think Michael Jackson as someone who might have been better off not surgically altering and looking to always change himself, but better off accepting himself as a feminine male who adored Diana Ross. Then he might have found mature adults like himself to share his sexuality. Really, how will that work now with “Stephanie” — or is their no physical intimacy involved? Also, to the abover person who thanked her for letting us all in on this “intimate story”? It’s public now, the exact opposite of an intimate sharing of private feelings, touches and thoughts. Publicity Queen.)
They have cross-sexed neurology at the cellular level. That means having the wrong-sexed endocrinology causes progressive dysfunction.
It’s not unknown for the patient to opt for the absolute minimal hormonal intervention, one that will cause a very slow transition over a decade or more just so their appearance will change slowly enough for them to retain things they hold dear – marriage, job, relationship wuth children until they grow up.
The dysfunction is progressive though without intervention, and the usual anti-depressants and so on can only deal with the side-effects of feeling one’s mind slowly rot.
Here’s a description of someone trying to “tough it out”, to beat a neurological problem through sheer willpower, and what the consequences are:
Secondly, “Dysphoria,” defined by Marriam-Webster’s Collegiate
dictionary as “a state of feeling unwell or unhappy,” or in the American
College Dictionary as “a state of dissatisfaction, anxiety,
restlessness, or fidgeting” is simply too soft a word to describe the
angst most clinicians see on intake with this population. At best it may
be an apt descriptor for individuals who, despite strong evidence to
the contrary, are making an extraordinary effort to convince themselves
that they are sex/gender congruent. These individuals make life
decisions such as getting married and having children not only because
they may find it appealing to have a spouse and have children but with
the added hope that this activity will ease or erase their obsessive
cross gender thoughts. Although there may be instances where these
special efforts succeed, (i.e. the incongruity is mild) the more likely
outcome is a realization they have actually made matters worse.
Typically, at time of presentation these individuals report that either
their lives are in ruin, or they are very afraid that if their gender
variant condition was to become known they would loose all that they
cherish and be ostracized from family, friends and the ability to
support themselves. High anxiety and deep depression with concurrent
suicide ideation is common. One of the most extreme cases I have treated
was that of a 50 year old genetic male, married and the father of 3
grown children with an international reputation as a scientist who
reported to me that the reason he finally sought out treatment for his
gender issues was because the number of times he found himself curled up
in the corner of his office in the fetal position muffling his cry was
increasing. That is not dysphoria, that is pure misery.
It’s not that they seek treatment just because they’re unhappy: because they don’t actually know the meaning of the word “happy” the way others do, they’ve never experienced that emotion. It’s when they can no longer function, when the episodes become hourly instead of weekly or monthly.
I’m Intersexed, rather than transsexual, but my condition gave me cross-sexed endocrinology for much of my life, until it got better naturally, without treatment. So I know what it’s like.
Usually there are body-map issues too, so surgical intervention is useful therapy. By then, the body has changed so much due to the hormonal treatment that the genitalia doesn’t match the appearance anyway, is atrophied, and dysfunctional glands a cancer risk. Some surgical intervention is necessary. Most opt for a complete rather than “Barbie doll” reconstruction, but not all. Having a sex life is not high on their list of priorities.
As for Michael Jackson – it’s no secret, though unpublicised, that the changes to his body were due to him having both Vitiligo – which causes skin bleaching and photo-sensitivity – and lupus, a painful wasting disease of the connective tissue. This can cause lesions on the ears, nose and face, necessitating plastic surgery, and joint pain so when an attack happens, the patient may be confined temporarily to a wheelchair. The odds of having lupus are higher if the patient has vitiligo, and it’s particularly common amongst african-american males. Also common is heart disease caused by this, which can lead to sudden unexpected death due to heart problems around age 50. His was a fairly typical case of a disease many have to live with.
I am one of those many of you refer to as “transgendered” and it was wonderful to read Zoe’s remarks. For the most part, they are extremely accurate. Let me restate in simple terms what this condition, per research, truly is.
Mid term through the first trimester of pregnancy, there is no gender differentiation of a fetus. At approximately ten weeks, if one has XY chromosomes, certain genes normally differentiate the brain, genitals, certain glands, etc. physiologically into what we commonly think of as male traits. With this condition, certain areas of the brain do NOT differentiate and develop as female and it is these areas of the brain that provide one with, among other most basic things, an instinctive sense of gender: “I think, therefore I am.” It is your brain that makes you male or female, not the physical structures of your body.
Psychologists state that each of us is aware of this sense of gender between the ages of 3 and 5. As early as age 4, I knew I was a girl and, being a child, wished “it” would just “fall off”. Such signals recur more frequently and with greater intensity throughout life and without treatment. The feelings of discordance grow to a degree that is unimaginable.
What most don’t understand is there is a synergy between the brain sense of gender and one’s anatomy: mind and body. It is not happiness one feels by being male or female. What I found by undergoing treatment was a sense, for the first time, of “peace”. My body now “matches” my mind.
As some wrote previously, this is NOT about sex and there is no connection between sexual preference and one’s sense of gender. Given this fact, consider a comment I’m sure many will find controversial. This is about gender, not sex. Accordingly, there IS no such thing as a sex change, or sex reassignment surgery. In fact, given those with this condition are born with a female identity, they have always been female and hence, this isn’t even a change in gender.
It strikes me as quite sad that society will readily accept that other parts of the body can be misformed or even deformed and very accepting of corrective surgery but as soon as we are speaking of genitals that congenitally require correction, the vast majority go ballistic! Every transgendered individual is warned before they can receive treatment: in all likelihood, you will lose virtually all your family and friends. If the psychologist follows the ethics of their profession and is not convinced that you will cope with this inevitability, you do not receive treatment! [This is the only medical condition I know of that, at two different stages, requires WRITTEN permission from medical practitioners.]
I wonder how many realize that no fewer than 1 in 1,000 “men” have XXY chromosomes! In milder cases, they actually have certain physical traits which tend toward feminine. Look up Kleinfelter’s Syndrome! [In more severe cases, the effects can be debilitating.] While you’re at it, look up other conditions such as mosaicism, Turner’s Syndrome, and Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome. For those that wish to condemn all with genetic anomolies – why stop at those involving gender – you can then move on to ridiculing those missing digestive enzymes, and the over 1,000 other congenital, genetic “errors” found in the human species.
One final word. I have learned so much about life, society, my own values, and so much more while taking this journey with hundreds of revelations and realizations. Being transgender has nothing in common with being transvestite and I would no sooner judge anyone else’s need or condition than I myself deserve to be judged. For a society that champions the phrase “celebrate diversity”, we have a long way to go.
What I find is really ironic is all of these vile comments by these so called Christians. What it truly boils down to is that they may be gay, lesbian, trans, gender queer, etc. and cannot openly admit the fact. That they may not be in touch with their true selves and it is programs like this that they have a problem dealing with finding their own identity. Just some scientific food for thought. There was a study done at the University of Georgia a few years ago. It took two classes of male subjects 30 homophobic males and 30 that sad they were not. They took the 30 homophobic males and took each one individually and had them slip a device over their penis that measured erection and blood flow. They were then shown some gay porn. After viewing the film they were given a questionnaire about the film. They were asked such things as were they aroused by what they viewed in the film. The astounding result from this was they all said NO, but their penile erections all told a different story. So all I can say is come out, come out wherevever you are. Or are you too shy or embarassed. It takes a bigger and stronger person to come out than those that lie behind their Bibles.
Allison says
“So all I can say is come out, come out wherevever you are. Or are you too shy or embarassed. It takes a bigger and stronger person to come out than those that lie behind their Bibles.”
I have no problem with this statement, for it is true in most respects. But it isn’t necessarily true for transsexuals – the T in GLBT – since coming out affects how people treat them, how their world evolves, and eventually their gender role.
When a person who is gay, lesbian, or bisexual does not come out, they are hiding who they ARE. When a person who is transsexual does not come out – but transitions in stealth mode – they are hiding who they WERE. Hence the statement above does not necessarily apply to all those in the GLBT spectrum.
Certainly transsexuals get to “come out” when they announce their transition to their families, and in most cases their employers. And in that sense they are hiding who they ARE. But their transition to womanhood (or manhood for those that are ftm) eventually leads to a desire to throw away their past, in the effort to live a more genuine female life. And so there is a divide in the transgendered community over those that want “rights” for transgendered persons, and those that want to blend in with genetic females and assimilate.
Meccagirl
Xsandra says
“Saddly, he does not comprehend that by merely adding breasts and a vagina is NOT what makes a woman! It is a “state of mind” as well.”
But adding breasts and a vagina allow the gender role and experience to happen, thus bringing the inner identity out. She has also taken hormones to change her secondary sex characteristics.
It is the gender role that is in conflict with the inner identity. That is transsexualism. And society defines our gender roles – who we can have sex with, which bathrooms to use, our mannerisms, our dress, etc.
Yes, a woman is not defined by her genitals or breasts. And perhaps not even her gender role. But saying that a woman CAN’T define herself that way, especially when many women today define themselves that way, as well as society as a whole, well then it is not such a true or accurate statement to make.
Transsexuals often need to define themselves by their gender role, especially women like Susan Stanton, who spent many years living in the wrong gender, and many years damaged by testosterone creating their male bodies. No wonder most transsexuals feel the need to get breasts and them wear clothing that accentuates those breasts. It is the one characteristic that shouts female more than any other characteristic. You wouldn’t be allowed in the men’s bathroom if you had breasts, for example.
So it isn’t so black and white this thing called transsexualism. And the transition takes a while to complete for some.
meccagirl
really Pat?
maybe you should change your name so that we can figure out if you’re an a-hole or not…on second thought, you are. Grow up!
You wouldn’t know a homosexual if s/he hit you in the face, DNA or not.
I watched the program and I am pleased to say that I thought it was done beautifully. Susan was treated very unfairly by Largo, FL and I am so glad that she has a good position in Lake Worth. Who are these people to judge her when they have never walked in her shoes. I for one, would love to meet her and tell her how brave she is. Good luck to you Susan….may you be happy for the rest of your life.
There is nothing Christian about using derogatory terms and hating fellow human beings.
Why the hell is everybody’s problem about a transgendered chick? Really! its not like its the end of the world. One has choices of what they want to do in there own life. So dont freakin critisize!!!
It was sad that Steven was fired. The vote was close and the so called christians that showed up and flooded city hall that night were a loud minority in Largo seeking publicity. I was there in support as were many other reasonable neighbors in Largo. I feel bad that Susan has had such a difficult road but also glad that Lake Worth has her talents as city manager. I am an ethics professor and my son is transgender. It is not a choice, it is a realization. Diversity is what god gave us and it still makes the best team. Being closed minded is narrow minded.
I also thank Susan for the courage to share her story. Thank you, Lynette
Susan. I am watching your special and I am very touched and moved by your honesty and openness. I share a small similar experience in that I was recently fired from my company after 19 years when they found out I was gay and HIV+. I received only positive performance reviews and everything was fine until my boss found out (from an FMLA application). Like you I understand what it is like to lose my career/job after 19 years not because of my skill set but because of biased towards me because of a medical condition and my sexual orientation. I am still unemployed. Thank you for sharing your story and your journey of pain and courage. I wish you bright blessings of love, peace and happiness.
Warm regards,
Brett Knight
I am amazed at how selfish Steven and later, Susan is. He was only concerned about himself and not for his wife and son. How sad to have destroyed their lives for his own gratification. This is just plain selfishness.
I was shocked and confused when Ms. Stanton refused my bid for a tattoo parlor on Lake Avenue in Lake Worth last October.
At first, she refused to have an audience with me and then [after repeated requests] granted a phone interview.
I had an overwhelming backing from local merchants and previous customers write her in order to support my request (hundreds of emails were forwarded to her on my behalf)..
Without exacting any ordinance in the zoning provisions, without hearing any argument, she [and she alone] drew the final decision and shut me out.
I expected some latitude and benevolence from someone who “fought city hall” and won but, instead, was shown prejudice.
If your a true christian, you shouldnt talk about your dad that way.
It is so sad to see how people are so cruel. Try to do be a better person! Who cares about sex/gender/race and etc!
Amazing history! Congrats and and wishing you all the best, Suzan!!
Lake Worth is not the City that used to be. For years now the City has been governed by a bunch of pretenders. Lake Worth is the “dump” between Key West and San Francisco.
PEOPLE OF LAKE WORTH YOU WILL SEE AS WE DID IN LARGO. GOOD EMPLOYEES WILL BE FIRED AND YOUR CITY WILL GET A REPUTATION AS A TROUBLE MAKER IN THE COUNTY !
I lived it the area when this hit the newspapers. What a commotion it caused. Funny to see he ended up here now where I live. I don’t think this is news but CNN did. Issues were women’s bathrooms. We have enough sickoh’s out there. How do you really know what he is thinking when HE is in one? So who care what he talks about we can’t really read his mind. That is an issue. We are made to accept too much in this world. It is always about them feeling good not us. We are always being question on our CHURCH TEACHING LIKE THEY ARE WRONG. We live in a SOCIETY THAT WE DO WHAT FEELS GOOD FOR US ONLY. THEN WE WANT THE LAWS TO CHANGE TO FIT OUR LIFESTYLE.
It’s so easy to point fingers, call names and hate people based on our own intimate fears and ignorance. Education and approaching life with an open mind is the key. There is nothing wrong with Susan’s situation. This behavior has been part of life since the beginning of times. Now is coming out to the spotlight because of the media and also because we have become more educated with many topics in human behavior, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Shame on ALL of those including the minister that hid behind the image of Christ to judge and to promote hatred. Even Christ hang out with the “Misfits” of his time.
If we believe that God created ALL good, and He created all of us in his own image. Then no more question… It’s ALL Good. Besides the God that most of pretend to follow and call Father, has NO GENDER… Could be a Father, a Mother or Both.
I admire Mrs. Stanton for her Courage. It takes a MAN to be on a Spotlight and under everyone’s scrutiny. An a noble human being to allow us to be part of his/her most intimate life.
What impacted me the most was the LOVE of his son for his father and the Father for his son. We should all learn from Travis and the new generation of young Americans. They have more tolerance and understanding towards others.
Don’t kid yourselves folks. This media blitz is well planned by her and her followers. After this has been made such a big deal the people of lake Worth won’t have a chance to get her out of office without a “gender” lawsuit and paying a huge settlement. She could be the worst manager in the country but will be protected by the “gender” thing. Good luck if she turns out to be a loser as a manager.
I am agree with this guy and I would love to meet him one day , my name is rami from Israel ,and hope he can see this
Pales1976@yahoo.com
Rami
i think god made people a certain gender for a reason and we should agree with his judgement……..sorry Suzan think you were Steven for a reason. :(
If it was a drunkard leaving his family/ That would be wrong……
If it was a crime for which one went to jail @ the expense of family it would be wrong.
If it was an adulterous affair that hurt the family that would be wrong.
Any other reason it would be wrong………. but sex change makes it okay to leave your family.
Like the wife was supposed to stick it out now that He is a She….
She/He was not forsaken or discriminated against; She/He was/is the discriminator…………Sure you feel sorry for the person, but that is not a basis of making it okay to have a sex change, just to satisfy total self love and selfishness….then to bring God into it. Yeah, God still loves you, sure she does!
Having grown up with friend who started as a little girlfriend and is now a F to M and is still one of my dearest friends, I thought the story was well done. I did think a bit more explaining could have been done to accomodate the understanding of the general population of viewers who may not be familiar with anyone with gender identity issues.
I must say though, being a parent, halfway through this report, seeing the parent/child bond as it was shown and the way Susan spared no expense for her own transitional well-being, she didn’t seem willing to put any expense into having badly needed orthodontic work for her son. This bothered me through the entire rest of the story and I began to see Susan as a very selfish parent … regardless of gender.