Courtney Penniman Gender Transition

Courtney Penniman of Arizona, is a female to male transsexual (FTM) who changed genders in February 2012. Studies indicate that approximately 1% of the world’s population is transsexual. While there are many costs associated with transitioning, there is also a cost when people who desire it do not do so. They may live a lifetime in which they never feel congruence between their body and their sense of self. They may be depressed and unhappy, or even suicidal, because they are not able to dress, live or work as they are comfortable. They may not have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams or live as they wish to live. Transgender people can be heterosexual/straight, bisexual, homosexual/gay/lesbian or identify as queer. Many transgender people are in fulfilling and happy relationships.

Courtney Penniman Transgender Male

Courtney Penniman of Phoenix, Arizona transitioned from female to male on February 17, 2012. Penniman struggled with gender dysphoria since childhood and made the decision to transition with the support of friends in the Phoenix Gay Community.  He notes that there is a difference between gender identity and sexual orientation. Gender identity refers to the way you understand yourself and your gender.  It is about the internal sense of masculinity or femininity that a person feels. Sexual orientation is our attraction to someone else of the same or different gender or both. It refers to the kinds of relationships that you have with others. Transgender people can be heterosexual/straight, bisexual, homosexual/gay/lesbian.