Transgender and human sexuality case study

Vincent was a college student who considered himself transgendered and resented having to be categorized as one sex or the other. He knew that anatomically he was fully male, and he had no intention of changing that. In fact, he said that he was very satisfied with his male body most of the time. However, Vincent said that since he was quite young, he had come to value what he called his feminine side. To him, this was made up of the soft, gentle, and sensitive aspects of his personality that felt very comfortable to him. He felt that the masculine and feminine sides that he experienced seemed quite distinct. He sometimes preferred to dress in women's clothes and use a female name. He tried to do this as discreetly as possible, but others on his dorm floor may have noticed some women's clothes in his closet. Although he was not anxious to incur the wrath of anyone who might consider him somehow odd, he also seemed to have a rather strong resolve not to hide his transgenderism with undue vigor. As he put it, "It's time for people to wake up to the fact that not everybody fits the same mold." Vincent remained at the college and would occasionally surprise or shock people by wearing some article of female attire in a public setting. Some people on the campus openly expressed their distaste for these practices, feeling that he was being too flagrant in his propensities. He occasionally heard people calling him names, but he persisted in what he felt were valid educational efforts. He also made many friends and was an active participant in campus activities.

Identify and describe the concept or concepts in the scenario using correct terminology from the course. If the concept is closely associated with the writings of a particular theorist (such as Freud, Kinsey, Masters & Johnson, and so on), then provide that information. Explain how the scenario fits the concept.

Analyzes and distinguishes among the important theories, paradigms, research findings, and conclusions in the study of human sexuality. Apply critical and creative thinking to topics pertinent to the study of human sexuality, and indicate comprehension of the subject matter.

Identify and describe the general perspective or approach to human sexuality that the concept falls under (such as gender theories, instinct theory, developmental, and psychodynamic). If the concept does not fit into one of those categories, then at least identify which part of human sexuality it deals with (such as gender, psychosexual development, and so on).