I've gradually, through some of my friends, become aware of trans issues. I've made all the mistakes in the past: thinking people were either not 'passing' or 'trying too hard' to pass.
I went through a stage of thinking everyone 'wanted' to be a woman, just because I hadn't met as many trans men.
Trust me, I cringe at all of this now. But I'm learning from it.
It's ok to think these things. It's ok to make mistakes when trying to put yourself in someone elses place. If you've never struggled with gender identity, you're going to make these mistakes, as open-minded as you think you are. What matters is that you listen to the feedback, and reconsider. You learn from it.
I've also heard the arguments recently that feminism is also good for men. It helps 'girly' things to be less of a weakness. Wearing make-up doesn't make you a 'pussy', and in fact a 'pussy' isn't an insult at all.
But I still know women who are ashamed of their bodies, their appearance. They don't feel 'feminine' if they don't shave, don't pluck their eyebrows, don't wear makeup. I've always been more of a 'tomboy' but only because i was never good at the make-up thing.
But you know what?
It doesn't matter.
I can let my legs and armpits and eyebrows get as hairy as nature intended. I'm still a woman.
I can have short hair, dress in jeans and checked shirts, and I'm still a woman.
I can wear make-up and skirts and dresses and I'm STILL just as much of a woman.
Do you see a recurring theme, or rather something not stated? None of this has to do with what I have between my legs.
I know some amazing women who happen to have a penis, and don't start with the 'if they really felt like women they'd get the op' argument. Do you have ANY idea how serious a decision that is?
Yes, I have friends who have had THAT op and the doctors in thailand can do amazing things... but with any operation there are risks, and when it involves your genitals that can mean losing all sensitivity. Despite not having any gender identity issues myself, I think the risk of losing sexual satisfaction would need some serious consideration!
Oh, and stop freaking out about trans folk in toilets. You are much more of a risk to them than they are to your kids. ffs
