Transgenderism is not about clothing and surgery; it is about core identity, presentation, and expression. Statistics are hard to gather. While transgenderism may in some way affect 10% of the population, just 10+% of these transgendered persons will actually seek to actively affirm their inner feelings. Of the actively transgendered persons, about 10% will have strong transsexual inclinations and will seek to transition permanently, but only 10+% of those transitioning will go on to have the final sexual reassignment surgery (SRS).

Some children proclaim to be the opposite gender practically as soon as they can talk, but they are extremely rare. Rare too are adolescents who protest being in the wrong body. Most transgendered persons are simply variant from the average gender norms. They must live in a state of denial and secrecy, until internal pressure finally forces them to resist societal pressures such as shame and guilt in order to decide who they are. The unwanted rewards for being transgendered include deep depression, suicidal tendencies, and a sense of loss and not belonging.

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