Well done for posting this

My son is also trans (assigned female at birth). When the wrath "discusses" gender politics and the questions around gender variance I usually just don't read or post on the wrath for a few days. Your approach is braver and better.

There are shrill voices on both sides of this, and neither set is helpful. My son just wants to be able to have a wee while he's out without the Bridget Philippson Toilet Police demanding to inspect his genitals "to protect everyone from perverts". He has facial hair and a deep voice; he does not belong in the womens' facility.

I've also seen the aftermath of sexual violence close up. Everyone needs access to facilities where they will be treated with compassion and provided the requisite psychological support.

What I find particularly dispiriting is the implication that trans people are sexual deviants that everyone else needs protecting from. Trans people are more likely to be the victims of abuse or sexual violence than cis people.

A lot of this "debate" reminds me of the way black people used to be talked about by people who'd never really spent much time with anyone who was black - "they're all XYZ (whatever XYZ might be) it's in their blood", that kind of nonsense; or the way gay people were talked about by people who hadn't knowingly hung out with anyone who was gay - "it's not natural, Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve" all of that kind of guff.

If people who post this bilge would take the time to get to know a few trans folks and listen to their lived experience a few eyes might be opened. So many of the "threats" that are posited are simply not borne out by any evidence whatsoever. There is unwarranted fear and misunderstanding on both sides, and if people would simply try to empathise with others who hold the alternative view we would be a lot better off.

Posted By: Old Man, Jun 19, 12:13:29