From Andrew To Audrey Mbugua

Audrey Mbugua

For days I have been thinking about Audrey and all the problems she has been through as a result of gender dysphoria or gender identity
disorder (GID). I had never heard of this before but thanks to Wikipedia I know what it is. GID is the formal diagnosis used by psychologists and physicians to describe persons who experience significant dysphoria (discontent) with the sex they were assigned at birth and/or the gender roles associated with that sex.

Just as one of my Lecturers in campus assisted me in understanding the different between gender and sex I will do the same for you. Sex refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that define men and women. On the other hand, Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women. "Male" and "female" are sex categories, while "masculine" and "feminine" are gender categories. Aspects of sex will not vary substantially between different human societies, while aspects of gender may vary greatly.

With these definitions am sure you will understand my point of view. Audrey grew up as a boy but now she wants to live her life as a woman. Apart from adjusting to her physical and biological make up, she also has to adjust to the social bit of being a woman. Audrey has to shift from going for a hair cut to the Saloon instead. Five points for Audrey, she is able to maintain her hair looking good everyday better than some women.

There is something else which I thought would be tasking for her, this is wearing high heels. Most women strain to wear heels in a bid to complement their look. I know they strain because at the end of the day I hear some of my friends complaining of sore feet, aching knees and at times back pains. To my surprise, Audrey has adopted perfectly, she is always in heels!

My final concern is the gossip department. We all know that women, young or old, gossip and I have no idea why. I believe women know how to deal with gossip. For instance, I am not affected by gossip. However, men settle issues physically and my worry is how Audrey settles her issues.

Audrey has undergone an operation and numerous hours of counseling, but so as to become a real woman she has to be socialised into being one. What I have mentioned are just a few issues, there are so many roles and characteristics assigned to women by society which I am sure she is still learning.

Here are related articles: 
1. Mothers and Daughters
2. Affirmative Action