Transgender issues have attracted considerable attention in recent years, with activists often emphasizing the scientific basis of their claims. However, the question remains: How scientifically sound trans ideology actually is? German journalist and writer Julian Marius Plutz gets to the bottom of this question in his thought-provoking commentary.
In the summer of 2022, 100 German scientists, psychologists and medical professionals accused the mainstream media of one-sided and inadequate reporting on transgender issues. The experts urged journalists to present biologically relevant facts based on the latest research and scientific findings.
Subsequently, medical professionals from eight countries joined this appeal and supported the European Manifesto, which calls on public and private media to accurately and truthfully present reputable studies and scientifically proven facts about sex and gender dysphoria (or transsexuality).
The manifesto highlights concerns about the unchallenged claims of trans activists in media coverage, where critical scholars are either marginalized or discredited before meaningful debate can take place. The manifesto concludes with a call to the media to present different points of view on this issue and to present scientifically proven facts about gender dysphoria and transsexuality in an appropriate way.
The signatories of the European Manifesto not only criticize media coverage of transgender issues, but also question the scientific validity of trans ideology itself. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding, it is important to define the terms precisely.
Transsexual people suffer from gender dysphoria. These individuals strongly identify with a gender that does not match the gender they are born with, despite the biological characteristics associated with their birth gender. Gender dysphoria is classified as a medical condition in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases (ICD) and serves as a diagnostic basis for further treatment by physicians and therapists.
In addition to the clearly defined condition of “transsexuality”, which, for instance, occurs between 2,000 and 6,000 times in Germany, depending on the estimate, the term “transgender” has gained importance in recent years. The term “transgender” refers to individuals who completely change their social gender role, regardless of whether they have undergone sex change surgery.
Sexual fetishes also play a role in this discussion. Such fetishes involve an exaggerated attraction to certain body parts, clothing, materials, or situations that serve as stimuli for sexual arousal and gratification. Some men wear women’s clothes for fetishistic reasons, put on makeup and prefer to be addressed as women. In contrast, there are male actors who take on female roles for stage performances.
The debate around trans ideology is polarizing. However, it is important to make clear distinctions. Individuals who actually suffer from gender dysphoria and feel trapped in the wrong body need help based on a medical diagnosis. These individuals undergo therapy and are considered transsexual oriented. However, transgender individuals without a diagnosis or suffering do not fall into this category. Also, individuals who express their sexual fetish through cross-dressing are not labeled as transsexually oriented.
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