For an academic list we have all been rather anecdotal.
I would just like to add that it may well be true that FTMs tend to be
lesbian before they transition and often remain oriented towards women,
whereas there is probably a higher proportion of MTFs who are oriented
towards women before transition and maintain that orientation afterwards
(thus becoming gay after the event). It is also true, however, that when one
feels alone and uncertain of the genesis of feelings which seem to be at
odds with those of the general community and accepted norms, one tries to
find a community to fit into. For MTFs this is often the cross-dressing
community, which caters for heterosexuality combined with an approximation
of the desired gender lifestyle. Women do not have that opportunity as there
are very few, if any, gatherings of cross-dressing heterosexual women and
they are therefore more likely to join the lesbian community and conform to
its norms.
Men have the options of joining the gay community or the transvestite
community. Those who join the gay community are likely to be heterosexual
after transition. Those who join the transvestites are likely to become
lesbian. None of these statements is unassailable. Indeed, the closest
friend I have who was formerly gay and is now post-op MTF has moved from
being gay to being lesbian.
Katherine
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