Living Joyfully: Embracing My True Self as Nature Intended
In the past 150 years, human life expectancy has seen remarkable increases, thanks largely to a series of groundbreaking medical advances. From the discovery of antibiotics to the development of modern surgical techniques, these innovations have not only extended the average lifespan but also significantly improved the quality of life for millions of people around the world. The impact of these medical breakthroughs cannot be overstated; they have transformed healthcare and provided solutions to diseases and conditions that were once considered fatal or debilitating.
One of the most profound advancements was the discovery of antibiotics, which revolutionised the treatment of bacterial infections. Before the advent of antibiotics, simple infections could turn deadly, and diseases like tuberculosis and pneumonia were often fatal. The ability to effectively treat these infections has saved countless lives and continues to be a cornerstone of modern medicine. Similarly, the development of vaccines has played a crucial role in eradicating or controlling deadly diseases such as smallpox, polio, and measles, preventing millions of deaths and paving the way for healthier populations.
Sanitation and access to clean water have also been pivotal in increasing life expectancy. The implementation of sewage systems and the chlorination and filtration of water supplies have drastically reduced the incidence of waterborne diseases, which were once major killers. These public health measures, combined with advances in medical treatments and preventive care, have created a safer and healthier environment for people worldwide.
Technological advancements in medical imaging, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI, have revolutionised the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. These tools allow for early detection and precise treatment of conditions that would otherwise go unnoticed until they were much more severe. This capability has been instrumental in improving survival rates and outcomes for a variety of diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
In addition to these innovations, the development of therapies such as insulin for diabetes management, antiretroviral treatments for HIV/AIDS, and chemotherapy / radiation therapy for cancer has dramatically changed the prognosis for many chronic and life-threatening conditions. These treatments have not only extended the lives of patients but have also improved their quality of life, allowing them to lead more fulfilling and productive lives despite their illnesses.
The cumulative effect of these medical breakthroughs is evident in the significant increase in global life expectancy. From sanitation improvements and vaccination programs to surgical advancements and cutting-edge therapies, these innovations have collectively contributed to a healthier, longer-living population. As medical research continues to advance, the potential for further improvements in life expectancy and quality of life remains promising, offering hope for a future where even more diseases can be effectively managed or eradicated.
And yet …
Imagine a world where the phrase “it’s against nature” was the guiding principle behind medical advancements. In this world, the natural course of disease and suffering would be left unchecked, and countless lives would be cut short. Without antibiotics, a simple bacterial infection could escalate into a deadly illness, claiming lives that could otherwise be saved with a few doses of medication. The absence of vaccines would leave populations vulnerable to devastating outbreaks of diseases like smallpox, polio, and measles, with mortality rates soaring as communities struggle to combat these preventable illnesses.
In such a world, the advances in sanitation and clean water systems, deemed “unnatural,” would not exist. The lack of proper sewage systems and water purification would result in widespread waterborne diseases, decimating populations and reducing life expectancy. Epidemics of cholera and typhoid fever would become common occurrences, and the simple act of drinking water could be a deadly gamble. The natural state of these communities would be one of constant fear and high mortality, a stark contrast to the improved public health we enjoy today.
The realm of medical imaging, considered an unnatural intervention, would be absent, leaving doctors without the tools to diagnose and treat diseases effectively. Without X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, early detection of conditions like cancer and heart disease would be nearly impossible. Patients would suffer and die from ailments that could have been managed or cured if detected early. The natural progression of these diseases would often be swift and fatal, as medical practitioners struggle to diagnose illnesses based solely on limited external symptoms.
Treatments for chronic conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and cancer would be non-existent in this world guided by the notion that intervening is against nature. Without insulin, diabetics would face a grim prognosis, their lives significantly shortened by complications. The absence of antiretroviral therapy would mean a return to the early days of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with millions succumbing to the virus. Chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, dismissed as unnatural, would leave patients without hope, their survival chances drastically reduced.
This imagined world starkly highlights the fallacy of the “against nature” argument, particularly when applied to gender-affirming treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Just as antibiotics, vaccines, and other medical interventions have profoundly improved human life expectancy and quality of life, HRT and other gender-affirming treatments can significantly enhance the lives of transgender individuals. Denying these treatments based on a misguided adherence to what is deemed natural ignores the immense benefits they provide, much like denying other medical advances would condemn millions to unnecessary suffering and premature death. Embracing medical progress, in all its forms, is essential for fostering a healthier, more compassionate world.
Why?
From the very first day I started hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the anti-androgen pill has profoundly transformed my life, particularly in managing my sensory sensitivities as an autistic person. Before HRT, my daily existence was a constant battle against overwhelming stimuli. The sounds, lights, and even the textures around me often felt unbearable, contributing to relentless anxiety and a perpetual state of being on edge. However, with the introduction of anti-androgens, I experienced an almost immediate sense of relief. My sensory overload diminished significantly, allowing me to navigate the world with a newfound sense of calm and clarity. This reduction in sensory overwhelm has not only improved my quality of life but has also empowered me to engage more fully and joyfully with my surroundings.
Yet, despite these life-enhancing benefits, there are those who would see this progress undone. Some politicians in the neo-colonial west, driven by misguided beliefs and prejudice, have suggested that people like me should be denied access to HRT, forcing us to endure unnecessary suffering. They frame their arguments in terms of what is “natural” or “moral,” but these claims ring hollow in the face of the tangible improvements in my well-being. Why should I be made to stop taking a medication that has brought me such profound relief and happiness? Why must my ability to live a fulfilling life be subject to the whims of those who do not understand, or worse, refuse to understand, my experience?
The fear and resistance from these politicians seem rooted in a deep-seated discomfort with anything that challenges their narrow views of gender and identity. Allowing me to live happily and authentically threatens their rigid frameworks and exposes the limitations of their understanding. By denying me and others like me the right to medically transition, they aim to maintain a status quo that upholds their power and control, even at the expense of our well-being. Their goal appears to be one of erasure—an attempt to force conformity through suffering, rather than acknowledging and celebrating the rich diversity of human experience.
It is deeply unjust that my happiness and health should be sacrificed for the sake of political agendas rooted in ignorance and fear. I should not have to suffer simply to satisfy someone else’s discomfort with my identity. Everyone deserves the right to pursue their own path to well-being, free from the constraints of prejudice and misinformation. My journey with HRT has shown me what life can be like when my needs are met and my identity is affirmed. To take that away is to deny my humanity and my right to a life of dignity and joy.
Land of the Free?
In recent years, the political landscape has increasingly turned hostile toward marginalised groups, particularly transgender individuals. In the United States, the rhetoric surrounding the presidential elections has seen Republican candidates demonise trans people, framing us as threats to societal norms and pushing for policies that would block our access to essential healthcare. Similarly, in the UK, the Conservative government has proposed measures that would force transgender children, even those already in the process of transitioning, to detransition. These actions underscore a disturbing trend: those in power seem willing to sacrifice the well-being of vulnerable populations to secure their political dominance.
At the core of these oppressive strategies is a fundamental view of people as property rather than living, autonomous human beings. By treating individuals as assets to be controlled, these politicians enforce their vision of societal order, often under the guise of protecting tradition or maintaining moral standards. This perspective strips us of our agency and reduces our lives to mere components in their power games. The so-called “free” West becomes a paradox, where the freedom of marginalised individuals is contingent upon the whims of those in power.
This approach to governance echoes a dark history where certain groups were deemed less human and more property, subject to the decisions and prejudices of their “owners.” In today’s context, transgender people, among other marginalised groups, are seen through this archaic lens. Politicians enact policies that dictate what we can and cannot do with our bodies, claiming to protect societal values while trampling on our fundamental rights to self-determination and dignity. The enforcement of these “property rights” over our identities and choices reveals a deep-seated fear of difference and a desire to maintain control over what they cannot or will not understand.
The actions of these politicians are not merely political maneuvers; they are direct assaults on our humanity. By framing our existence as a threat to their vision of society, they justify policies that cause immense harm. Forcing transgender teens to detransition, denying adults access to necessary healthcare, and demonising our identities in public discourse are not protective measures—they are acts of violence designed to erase us. These measures inflict psychological trauma, physical harm, and social ostracism, reinforcing the notion that our lives are expendable in the pursuit of power.
As marginalised groups, we are left to navigate a landscape where our rights and existence are constantly under threat. The political arena becomes a battleground where our bodies and identities are the stakes. In this climate, it is crucial to resist and challenge these oppressive narratives. We must advocate for our humanity and our right to live freely and authentically. It is not enough to survive; we must demand recognition and respect as living human beings, not as property to be controlled. The fight for our rights is a fight for the soul of our societies—a fight to ensure that freedom truly means freedom for all.
What next?
Whilst my state (California) has made significant strides in protecting and enshrining trans rights in law, there remains a profound inconsistency in how these rights are recognised and respected across the United States and globally. For trans individuals like myself, who have the right and a relatively straightforward process for changing legal names and gender markers through the California court system, the question of how this new status will be received elsewhere is fraught with uncertainty and potential peril.
In California, my new driving license with a Female gender marker will represent a significant affirmation of my identity and legal recognition of my transition (… I’ll start that process next year). It will symbolise a state that, whilst far from perfect, acknowledges and supports my right to live authentically. However, this acceptance is not mirrored uniformly across the country. In states like Florida and Texas, where recent legislative actions have aimed to restrict and roll back trans rights, my California-issued ID might not be respected. These states have introduced laws that actively discriminate against trans individuals, particularly in areas like healthcare, public accommodations, and legal recognition of gender identity.
Traveling to or through these states with my new identity documents may be risky. I could face legal challenges, administrative hurdles, or outright refusal to acknowledge my gender marker. This lack of uniformity means that a simple interaction, such as showing my ID at a hotel, airport, or government office, or simply trying to use the bathroom, could result in confusion, denial of service, or worse, confrontation and discrimination. The legal protections and affirmations I enjoy in California can quickly become nullified in jurisdictions with hostile policies towards trans people.
Moreover, the global landscape for trans rights is even more varied. In some countries, my identity might be respected and my documents accepted without issue. However, in others, particularly those with stringent laws against LGBTQ+ individuals, possessing a gender marker that does not conform to local norms could lead to severe consequences, including detainment or violence. This disparity underscores the precarious nature of trans existence across different legal and cultural contexts.
The inconsistency in recognition and respect for trans identities highlights the urgent need for more comprehensive protections and standardizations. Whilst California has laid important groundwork, much more needs to be done both within the state and beyond. The absence of a unified political movement that fully embraces and enshrines trans rights in law leaves us vulnerable. It is essential for lawmakers and advocates to push for federal and international standards that ensure our rights and identities are respected wherever we go.
Until such protections are universally established, navigating life as a trans person will remain a complex and often perilous endeavour. We must continue to fight for our rights, both locally and globally, and seek solidarity and support from allies who understand the profound importance of our struggle for recognition and dignity. Only through persistent advocacy and systemic change can we hope to achieve a world where our identities are universally respected and our rights firmly protected.