I love taking the tests for gender. I'm fascinated with the prospect that someone can take seemingly basic things about my life and expression, and tell something more fundamental about who I am, that I may not even realize. Of course, with any such test there is part science, part art, and part make believe, and we should never let the results from a test determine who we are.
Some of you are probably familiar with the COGIATI test, which stands for the mouthful of 'Combined Gender Identity and Transsexuality Inventory' (phew). This test is targeted to Male-to-Female, Pre-Operative people, and should be used as a basis for self-examination, and to consider whether further investigation should be pursued with a qualified therapist.
At the end of the test you are categorized into one of five categories:
- Class 1 - Definite Male, typical of the sexual gratification-based, fetishitic transvestite
- Class 2 - Feminine Male, mostly sexual / fetishistic but slightly gender involved crossdresser
- Class 3 - Androgyne, the serious transgenderist
- Class 4 - Probably Transsexual, most common type of transsexual (well over 70%)
- Class 5 - Classic Transsexual, the rarest, early onset, 'classic model of early research' transsexual
Whenever I've taken this test, I either end up as:
- Class 3 - Androgyne, or
- Class 4 - Probably Transsexual
I think this shows two things: Firstly that our self perception varies over time, with our moods and our circumstances - something that is important to keep in mind for those who are contemplating a transition. Secondly, for me at least, cross dressing is more than just about feeling comfortable wearing woman's clothes, but striving to be woman in mannerisms, behavior and thoughts. Whenever I have done this I get a sense of resonance, just as playing a chord on the piano perfectly matches two or three different notes to produce a harmonious sound.
For those who aren't transgendered
The other day I found a great gender test on BBC, which is among one of the more scientific I've taken. They also allow everyone to play along, so you don't need to be transgendered to take the test. My results are below, showing that my brain is slightly female. When my wife took the test she scored as the typical male (so perhaps we are equally yoked 🙂 ).
What did you score? Did this match up with your expectations?
Before you rush off and make any big decisions based on a gender test, please heed these warnings. Have fun!
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