Question About Transsexuality and Atheism

[Rhondazvous]

Preamble:
I do not ask this question to challenge the validity of transsexuality. In fact, I think I know the answer to my own question. But I’d like to explore the question and get the members here to think about it. And share their insights so we can have a better understanding of this FUQ (Frequently Unasked Question).

Many transsexuals say they feel like men trapped in a woman’s body or vice versa. It occurred to me that this is counter to the idea of orthodox atheism, which asserts that there is no “I,” no part of a human being that is separate from the body. How can I be a man trapped in a woman’s body if my body is all that I am?

This can be explored from many different angles, and I’d love to hear what you have to say.

[Athene]

Rhondavous 
How can I be a man trapped in a woman’s body if my body is all that I am?

If your brain doesn't match what's between your legs.
Or vice versa.

[Esquilax]

Many transsexuals say they feel like men trapped in a woman’s body or vice versa.  It occurred to me that this is counter to the idea of orthodox atheism, which asserts that there is no “I,” no part of a human being that is separate from the body. How can I be a man trapped in a woman’s body if my body is all that I am?

This can be explored from many different angles, and I’d love to hear what you have to say.

But there is an "I." It just so happens that this is a process bound and contained within a physical brain which is part of a body, rather than an embodied soul that can exist freely on its own. The fact that self referencing minds exist is, I would think, accepted by all atheists; the disagreement is one of origin, not of existence.

That said, what we have here is an overclocked ape brain set within physical parameters that are constantly changing, generation by generation, without any heed or recognition paid to all the other parameters. We are, in essence, physical beings barely able to play catch-up with the rest of ourselves: it's no thing at all to accept the idea that a brain and its corresponding genitals might come out of that evolutionary maelstrom fundamentally mismatched in some portion of the population, especially in light of all the other permutations- both detrimental and positive- that we observe in every species, all of the time.

[abaris]

It occurred to me that this is counter to the idea of orthodox atheism

I already take issue with that.

orthodox atheism, what should that be? Some kind of ideology? Maybe it's because I'm fundamentally disinterested in atheism that I don't know. I'm an atheist and I'm an individual. There's plenty of Is in what I am and certainly no we when it comes to atheism. I reserve my we's for persons that interest me on other levels than simply sharing my disbelief.

So, I'm rather suspicious when the term orthodox is used in any kind of connexion, since it insinuates another kind of hive mind approach.

[rexbeccarox]

I'm with Abaris. I have no idea what "orthodox atheism" even means. I lack belief in deities; that's what makes me an atheist. There's nothing about transgenderism/ transexuality even skirting the definition.

[Minimalist]

It occurred to me that this is counter to the idea of orthodox atheism

Orthodox atheism?

Oh no.

Do we have a silly hat, too?

[brewer]

Hey Rhonda.

With regard to this: " the idea of orthodox atheism, which asserts that there is no “I,”", sorry, that's not part of my atheist position. I'm not really sure what that means, you may need to explain further. Do I totally understand trans, no, because I'm not trans. I don't think any one can who is not trans. But I can try to understand trans as much as my brain will allow and accept that trans exists. There are quite a few mental states that I try to understand and accept, it's not limited to trans or sexual orientation(s).

[Esquilax]

It occurred to me that this is counter to the idea of orthodox atheism

Orthodox atheism?

Oh no.

Do we have a silly hat, too?

I have never wanted anything more than I want that hat.

[account_inactive]

It occurred to me that this is counter to the idea of orthodox atheism

Orthodox atheism?

Oh no.

Do we have a silly hat, too?

I'll take one.

[Rhondazvous]

Silly Hat


I don’t think anyone could have expressed my personal opinion of “orthodox atheism” more eloquently than abaris.

Esquihax also expressed a clear understanding of the question at hand. The “I” is my mind.   That part of me that stands back and examines my thoughts, that part of me that makes decisions about which of my cravings I will indulge and which I will deny.

No mh, we cannot fully understand what it is like to experience trans, but we do know what it is like when our bodies don’t always do what we want them to do.