The role sexuality in SRS is unambiguous because it holds the very essence of the

issue itself. As a bio-cultural phenomenon, a person who would want to undergo SRS or have
gone through SRS, has a capacity for sexual feelings which includes the sexual orientation
and sexual activity of that person (Roldan, 2016). Basically, it is right to call that person
before or after the surgery as a transsexual or as a transgender who feels that he or she is
trapped inside a body with the wrong gender.
According to Helmans Four Elements of Gender, a persons gender can be
characterized in terms of his or her genetic gender, somatic gender, psychological gender,
and social gender. Associating this with SRS, the attitude and behavior of a transgender who
underwent SRS might have been the effect of his or her psychological gender which is about
how he or she thinks of their own gender and also their social gender which is how society
views that persons gender (Roldan, 2016). These two genders can be considered as dynamic
since individual and societys perceptions on gender can change throughout time.
Meanwhile, the other two genders are considered as static. Genetic gender is based on the
chromosomes present in the individual that cant be changed while somatic gender is the
phenotypical expression of those chromosomes which also cant be easily changed (Roldan,
2016). SRS targets the somatic gender to tailor-fit the liking of the psychological gender of
the individual.
In a systematic review study, Anne Lawrence explored six behavioral characteristics
of male-to-female transgenders. Of these behavioral characteristics, only two are worth
mentioning: sexual orientation and the prevalence of stable, partnered relationships after
undergoing SRS. The study found that those who underwent SRS had diverse sexual
orientations: some were sexually attracted to males and some were bisexual. Furthermore,
the study found that those who were sexually attracted to females after undergoing SRS
were more likely to be in a stable relationship than those who were sexually attracted to
males. This shows that there are still various sexual behaviors exhibited by SRS transgenders
that range from committed sex to commercial or casual sex (Roldan 2016).
Society has been growing to accept the various kinds of sexual orientations and the
choice for sexual reassignment (Harms, 2011). This growing acceptance in society might also
be another reason for the freedom of transgenders to reassign their sex. As evident in the
times before, transgenders and homosexuals were considered as taboo in society and were
even classified as a psychological disease in the earlier editions Diagnositc and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM. But now, with the advent of gay marriages, it can be
said that they are being accepted in society.

Harms W. Americans move dramatically toward acceptance of homosexuals.

Available at: http://news.uchicago.edu/article/2011/09/28/americans- move-
dramatically-toward-acceptance-homosexuality- survey-finds. Published September
28, 2011. Accessed March 2, 2016

Lawrence, A. A. (2005, 04). Sexuality Before and After Male-to-Female Sex Reassignment
Surgery.Arch Sex Behav Archives of Sexual Behavior, 34(2), 147-166. doi:10.1007/s10508-005-1793-
y
Roldan, S. R. (2016, March 2). Sexuality and Health. (ASMPH Batch 2019, Interviewer)