Role of Psychiatry

"Gatekeepers", I've heard them called, often with a tinge of cynicism or a taste of animosity. If not, then they are often regarded as a mere formality to be tolerated until enough time has passed to receive a coveted letter. Held at arms length, enough is said to keep them happy and everything else is handled with friends, alone or even left unexplored. 


Neither scenario is, in my humble opinion, healthy for those of us who have to undergo this journey. This journey of transition is treacherous and difficult for those who choose to navigate its waters, yet gender dysphoria is really a self diagnosed condition. Nobody can tell you that you are transgendered without you already knowing it on some level, but what you need to know is that it has a name, that you fit the description and that you are not alone. 


I don't pretend to know the politics of psychiatry in the real world, but it seems to me that there is a definite opening for psychiatrists to play the role of an impartial guide. Equipping the journeyer with the knowledge of the possible paths that can be taken, they could also provide food for thought in not assuming that the journeyer knows about all different options or that the path that she is on is the path the she really wishes to be on. Challenging her, they may play devils advocate only to make her pause and reflect but never to impede and in doing so they are not gatekeepers, but mentors. They may provide guidance in highlighting the dangers and supply methods of weathering the inevitable storms and challenges, thus enabling the safety of the journeyer and impart tools that will be useful for the rest of her life. 


This then, is my nirvana where everyone has a confidant rather than a combatant or even a neutral custodian. A scenario where real help is provided rather than fulfilling a bureaucratic role.

Random Photos from Thailand

This was my cup of tea at the hotel. I never figured out why the
teabag has an exclamation mark.

Lunch at one of the food courts at Seacon Square.
I think it was some sort of omelette wrapping up
bean shoots and prawns... I do know it was yummy
and cheap!

View from one of the elevators in MahBoonKrong or

MBK shopping centre. Although I was there twice, 

it takes a while to appreciate everything there.. 

just like Seacon Square.

My hotel, the Dusit Princess. I will have very fond memories of this 

place and of Pa Moo whom I met here.

Note, this is the Dusit Princess in Srinakarin, not the Dusit Thani

in Bangkok or the Royal Princess in Larn Luang. All three are part of

the same chain and it was a constant source of confusion for the 

taxi drivers.

Lady selling a bubble gun outside of Platinum Mall in Pratunam. 

Remnants of lunch at the food court at Platinum Mall
along with the credit card voucher used to purchase
the food. Meals for three people and one drink for
less than $6 in total... :)

Room service arrangement of my animals. I don't know if it was
intentional, but I thought it was cute. I wrote a note to say thank you
and  they almost misinterpreted the note to think that I was giving
them my animals! Eeep!!

Part of a shared dinner banquet for two.

A chinese and australian girl walk into the Manhattan Fish Market in Bangkok. 

How much more multicultural can you get?

...And they even had room for dessert.

King Rama IX Park

Main display hall in King Rama IX Park

Ants in King Rama IX Park

Lilly Pads in King Rama IX Park

And a bridge over the lilly pads.

This is actually a children's playground in the style of olden stilt houses.

More from King Rama IX Park.