"Transsexuals' Brains are really Female" Study says
AMSTERDAM. According to a study by Dutch researchers into the brains of
6 transsexual men, published this week in "Nature" magazine, a small group
of cells in the hypothalamus of transsexual men is about 2/3 the size of
the same group in homosexual and heterosexual men but equal in size to the
corresponding group of cells in women's brains. Although the sample of 6
brains of transsexual men which became availeable to the researchers over
a period of eleven years is very small, the differences found are very clear,
according to the leader of the research Professor Swaab. In an interview on
National Dutch tv Mr. Swaab, who 6 years ago became the centre of a controver-
sy after having discovered differences between the brains of homosexual and
heterosexual men, said more research was needed in order to in the end find
ways to "prevent" transsexuality. Mr. Swaab also said the findings would help
transsexuals in countries "less tolerant than The Netherlands".
A Dutch transsexual man, who lost his job as a result of his becoming a woman,
said that the research only confirmed what he had known all along, i.e. that
transsexuality is neither a choice nor a psychological disorder. A group of
transsexual men in the UK were said to be using the report's findings in a
court-case to be legally recognised as women after a sex-change.
SM-group Celebrates 25th Birthday
OSS. On Saturday the 10th of October the Dutch National organisation of
SM-enthousiasts, VSSM (Vereniging Studiegroepen Sado-Masochisme), celebrated
its 25 anniversary with a large party in the town of Oss. The day's events
consisted of workshops, demonstrations of, among others, bondage, tatoo,
rubber- and leather clothing and all kinds of toys. The VSSM, with a membership of around 700, organises some 300 SM-parties each year
all over Holland. Although in Holland the taboo on SM is slowly waning, many
are still scared to become a member of VSSM out of fear of being "found out".
The total unofficial membership, including regular visitors is estimated at
some 2000.
According to Kuno Niemeyer, VSSM-vice-chairman and public relations officer
there are distinct differences between gay (some 55%) and straight members.
The gay SM-parties tend to be better attended and gays are generally more open
about SM, whereas straights tend to have more problems when they "come out" as
a lover of SM. Gays also tend to have less relational problems when they "come
out" to SM. The VSSM, which regularly organises workshops and runs an
information line, last year received over 4,000 calls with questions as diverse
as calls for help, membership, problems with relationships etc. The VSSM works
together with a number of organisations in the area of social and
psychological support.