Talking about Body Integrity Identity Disorder – Just another disability!
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Transabled.org is an outlet for those of us who are transabled. The main focus is strongly on my thoughts about being transabled, wheelchairs, wannabes, disability, body identity integrity disorder (BIID) and related topics. Initially, it was merely a blog of sorts, before blogs even existed as such. Now, we have other people sharing their experiences, discussing their use of wheelchairs, of "pretending", of being who they are.
So you'll ask: "That 'thing', transabled, just exactly what is it?". It is hard to define in just a few words, the best way to learn is by going through the site, but in a nutshell, someone who is transabled "wants" to be disabled.
But it is not so much a "want" as much as a "need". Our "desire" is more a reflection of the fact that our self-image is that of a paraplegic (or amputee, or blind, or any number of other disabilities) than that of an able bodied man or woman.
The dichotomy between what our psyche tells us and what our body tells us is ripping us apart.
I well remember the first time I discovered I wasn't the only one feeling this way. I had a long discussion that evening with Sue, who told me about her desire to be paralysed. From there, I started looking around the 'net for more information about wheelchairs, wannabes (this is what most people call transabled). At the time, there was next to nothing. But it was enough to make me realise I was not the only one. That I was not sick in the head.
I only hope to repay the favour, and that a few people will find solace in knowing they are not alone.
You may think this pretty weird, obscene, even. But before you get upset about how we feel, I beg you to keep an open mind and read more about it. Explore the site, learn a little bit more. I always welcome an intelligent discussion about it, whether we agree or not.
And if you don't find it in you to be open minded, please move on.
Welcome!
SeanWe are looking for new contributors to the site. Do you have BIID? Are you interested in writing regularly about your experience living with BIID? If so, becoming an author on this site may be what you are looking for. Get more information about becoming an author »
by Chloe - 20 June 2013
My initial reaction to the lack of BIID in the DSM-5 was ARGH!!! FUCK!!! I soon told myself to calm down; it wasn’t the end of the world. However, my behaviour the next day told me that my subconscious had been sideswiped with some impact.
And the Desperation Returns continues »
by Chloe - 16 June 2013
It is a great disappointment to me that the groups which are most critical of those with BIID have appropriated the label of “feminist”. Such people can only drag feminism into the garbage can of history. In order to defend feminism I must therefore defend BIID. Here is my reply to one such so-called feminist critique of BIID: http://liberationcollective.wordpress.com/2013/05/11/trans-abled-just-another-disability/.
Response to Liberation Collective continues »
by Sean - 15 June 2013
I’ve received the following announcement about an IRC chat. Posting it on behalf of the person who has told me of it.
IRC Chat continues »
by Xavier - 13 June 2013
I’ve done well with having BIID these past few years. Last night I had the first major BIID episode in several years now. There was a trigger.
BIID ATTACK continues »
by Sean - 12 June 2013
Here is a request from a British documentary maker. The interesting bit is that they are working with the Deaf community quite a bit.
Documentary Seeks Participants. continues »© transabled.org - 1994-2013 - All Rights Reserved.