[lukifer]

Politically incorrect rant here; brace yourself.

Put simply, I have a hard time taking TG issues as seriously as I take gay rights, which I support unilaterally. There is a long history of homosexual behavior both in humans and in nature. But the idea of altering sexuality with surgery is extremely recent, and I am unaware of any precedent in nature (feel free to correct me).

Now, bear in mind that I support anybody's choice to do just about anything to themselves. If you want to give yourself a face tattoo, attach a shark fin to your back, or give yourself fake breasts, knock yourself out. And I don't think such individuals should be judged or persecuted, to the extent that's possible.

At the same time, the TG community needs to understand that people will judge you, not because they're prejudiced, but because judging is something that humans do in general. If someone laughs at you behind your back for a bad haircut or an outfit that clashes, it may be impolite and mean, but it's not out of hate. If you look ridiculous, whether it's for 50 piercings, or heavy makeup combined with an Adam's Apple, people are going to see you differently, period. And maybe I've received a bad sampling, but I can't ever recall encountering a TG person who did not look ridiculous to me. If that's my flaw, then I'll accept that. I still treated those persons with the same dignity I would give someone with a bad haircut.

I am sensitive to those who feel they were born with the wrong body, and absolutely believe that some people inherited a genuine genetic flaw with which they must cope. Even if the gender conflict is psychological, it is a person's right to deal with that how they choose. I understand what it's like to feel like a freak. (I'm still waiting on the possibility of species reassignment surgery...)

But be realistic. If you're going to switch to another gender, and you can't make it work so well that no one can tell the difference (ie, Carmen from It's Always Sunny), people are going to look at you weird. Everyone has their cross to bear, and if you are a TG person, this is yours.

[figglesonrails]

This isn't really addressing the issue of "Is this a good idea to create TCombinator?", it's just a personal statement. Agreeing or disagreeing with this still makes it OT.

[lukifer]

I accept the rebuke. :)

But it seems to me that part of the purpose of TCombinator is to get people to take TG individuals more seriously, and I would think that includes dialoguing with Neanderthals like me. I posted in part to spill my guts, but in part because I want to hear the other side as well.

[tim_chevalier]

There's plenty that's been written about trans issues and gender issues, much of which is available for free on the Web. Trans people are not unpaid tutors or teachers for cis people (if you don't know what "cis people" means, look it up). Do the research, and then come with questions that show you've done it.

[mc32]

>and I am unaware of any precedent in nature (feel free to correct me).

There are few exceptions, but clownfish are amongst the exceptions. http://curiosity.discovery.com/question/why-clownfish-change...

[angersock]

"But the idea of altering human sexuality with surgery is extremely recent, and I am unaware of any precedent in nature (feel free to correct me)."

Eunuchs have been around for quite some time.

[figglesonrails]

Well, if we're going to be technical, you don't alter sexuality (mindset) with surgery, you alter sexual organs. And that wasn't so much a change in sexuality as a change in ability to reproduce. :X Also, "surgery in a nature" seems like a bit hard a precedent for.

[lukifer]

It depends on your yardstick; from an evolutionary perspective, eunuchs are still extremely new, and I'm unaware of examples in other species. Also, most eunuchs had it forced upon them, so it's not really a fair comparison.

[7952]

Some people want to change gender. Its probably not uncommon. We all look ridiculous sometimes; usually as a result of vanity. This is part of the human condition, and again not uncommon (see teenagers).

The proper response is to treat difference with humour and good grace.

[lukifer]

Of course! I'm in favor of body hacks of all kinds. My point is, I view people who change genders in the same light as those who get devil horns, split tongues and stretched earlobes. It's your absolute right, and I celebrate it. But by making that choice, the tradeoff you accept is that some suits might not take you as seriously, and grandma might have a heart attack.

I suppose that's the hair I'm splitting: homosexuality is generally not a choice, nor is being born with an internal gender conflict. But the way you alter your body or social identity is a choice, and you should accept the consequences of that choice, or not make it at all.