This is an area of interesting similarities. One theory about the origins of the wannabe syndrome is that it is a question of having a different body identity than the one you have. In a similar way that a transsexual male sees himself as a woman a wannabe sees him- or herself as an amputee despite having two arms and legs. There are even cases where an individual is both transsexual and wannabe.
The parallels can be easy or difficult to notice but they can lead to interesting conclusions which in turn might help create a wider comprehension and perhaps acceptance of the syndrome.
Transsexuality, although still creating mixed feelings, have reached a certain level of acceptance. Wannabes are more often than not seen as people who should be protected from themselves whenever a case is brought to public attention. Media often ruthlessly expose wannabes without any concern or understanding for the people involved.
An interesting fact is that there now is some proof of a biological factor behind transsexuality. I do not claim to have been born a wannabe but that there is a possibility that there is a factor which in the presence of a specific stimulus will trigger the syndrome. Still it will take much more research before any conclusions can be drawn.
I have great respect for transsexuals but a transsexual man can never completely be turned into a woman. A wannabe on the other hand becomes an amputee as real and genuine as a person who has lost a limb due to an accident or a disease.
For transsexuals there is help available. When will wannabes no longer be regarded as untouchables?