Autogynephilia is a term that has generated controversy and debate within the field of psychology and sexology. Often misinterpreted or confused with other conditions, autogynephilia has been the subject of study and discussion in relation to paraphilias. In this article, we will explore in depth what autogynephilia is, why it is not considered a paraphilia, and how it has been addressed in the scientific literature.
What is it? autogynephilia?
Autogynephilia refers to sexual arousal derived from the idea of being or looking like a woman. In simpler terms, it is a type of sexual arousal in which a person is attracted to their own female body or the idea of being a woman. This concept was proposed by psychologist Ray Blanchard in the 1980s as part of his theory of transsexual paraphilia.
It is important to note that autogynephilia is not specifically linked to a person's gender identity. person. That is, an autogynephilic person can identify as a man, a woman, or any other gender identity. What defines autogynephilia is the sexual arousal associated with the idea of one's femininity, whether through images, fantasies or related behaviors.
Types of autogynephilia
In the scientific literature, different types of autogynephilia have been proposed, which can vary in intensity and manifestation. Some of the most common types include:
- Classic autogynephilia: This refers to sexual arousal derived from the idea of being a woman and adopting feminine roles and behaviors.
- Transformational autogynephilia: Involves sexual arousal associated with physical transformation to become more like a woman, through clothing, makeup, or other means.
- Objectification autogynephilia: It is related to sexual arousal caused by contemplating oneself as a sexual object, adopting an external and/or voyeuristic perspective.
Why is it not considered a paraphilia?
Although autogynephilia may share characteristics with some paraphilias, such as atypical or unusual sexual arousal, it is not classified as a paraphilia itself. The main reason behind this distinction lies in the way autogynephilia is conceptualized in relation to traditional paraphilias.
Paraphilias are characterized by persistent patterns of intense and recurrent sexual arousal toward objects, situations, or individuals. unusual or atypical. Common examples of paraphilias include fetishism, voyeurism, sadism, and masochism. In these cases, sexual arousal focuses on specific elements that are not conventional in terms of human sexual behavior.
On the other hand, autogynephilia focuses on the arousal derived from one's femininity, which implies a direct connection to the person's gender identity. Although it may involve sexually arousing fantasies or behaviors, autogynephilia is not directed at external objects or atypical situations, but at the person's own perception in terms of gender.
Criticisms and controversies
Despite the conceptual differences between autogynephilia and paraphilias, the classification of autogynephilia remains a controversial issue in the scientific community and in society in general. Some critics argue that autogynephilia reinforces traditional gender stereotypes and pathologizes non-normative gender expressions.
In addition, there has been criticism of the theory of Ray Blanchard, who proposed autogynephilia as a component of transsexuality. Some activists and academics have questioned the validity and relevance of this theory, arguing that it pathologizes transgender people and does not reflect the diversity of gender experiences.
Contemporary approaches
In recent years decades, there has been a shift in the way autogynephilia is addressed in the scientific literature and in clinical practice. Contemporary approaches tend to move away from the pathologization of non-normative gender expressions and toward a more inclusive and respectful perspective on the diversity of gender experiences.
Some researchers suggest that autogynephilia can be understood within a broader spectrum of gender identities and expressions, without the need to categorize it as a paraphilia or as a disorder in itself. The importance of considering the cultural and social context in which autogynephilia manifests itself is highlighted, as well as respecting the autonomy and self-determination of people in relation to their gender identity.
Integration of autogynephilia in contemporary psychology
In clinical psychology and sexual therapy, autogynephilia is approached from a more comprehensive and non-pathologizing approach. Therapists and mental health professionals are trained to help people experiencing autogynephilia explore their fantasies, feelings, and behaviors in a way that promotes self-acceptance and emotional well-being.
Instead of focusing on To suppress or correct autogynephilia, the current therapeutic approach focuses on the exploration, understanding and acceptance of one's own gender identity and sexuality. Open dialogue and collaborative work between client and therapist is encouraged to address any emotional or psychological conflict related to autogynephilia.
In summary, autogynephilia is a complex concept that has evolved over time. time in its conceptualization and in its approach in psychology and sexology. While it continues to generate debate and controversy, there is increasing recognition of the importance of understanding and respecting the diversity of gender experiences and of promoting an inclusive and respectful approach to autogynephilia and other expressions of human sexuality.