[sterlind]

> As a cis man, I'll say that it likely is borne of hatred, but more so, as a tool to rile the masses to be angry enough to vote for whoever feeds that hate.

certainly a lot of it is, but I think there truly are people with sincere religious or moral beliefs that don't wish any ill on trans people despite opposing our decisions. acknowledging that is fairly key to building bridges, imo.

(also because I expected to be downvoted to oblivion, so I tried to make my take as measured and nonthreatening as possible. I did not succeed, it appears.)

[jfengel]

I am afraid I don't believe that. I think that practically all religious people who oppose trans rights do wish ill on trans people.

I believe it's a problem that we're still focused on "building bridges". I think it's worth considering that they are actively opposed to having those bridges built. As long as we focus our activity on futile efforts, no progress will be made.

Consider instead a plan that begins with: "Your goal is to hurt people. We will not allow that. We will fight for everybody's rights, and no, that does not include your right to hurt people. Your interests will be trampled on as long as they are about doing harm. When you are tired of losing, you will come to us seeking a compromise We will no longer come to you because we know it is a waste of time."

Many religious people do support trans rights, and they are crucial allies. If they have opinions about what outcome best supports their religious beliefs and the rights of trans people, they should have a seat at the table.

But it is past time to stop pretending that this will be resolved by talking with people who will not under any circumstances listen.

[pstuart]

> Consider instead a plan that begins with: "Your goal is to hurt people. We will not allow that. We will fight for everybody's rights, and no, that does not include your right to hurt people. Your interests will be trampled on as long as they are about doing harm. When you are tired of losing, you will come to us seeking a compromise We will no longer come to you because we know it is a waste of time."

Hate and stupidity are effectively weaponized and those that control that have the upper hand -- it's so much easier to lie and foment fear and anger than it is to discuss nuance and context.

That said, something has to be done. We pretend to be logical animals but we're all effectively emotionally driven. There needs to be strong counter campaigns that can fight back, or better yet, neutralize the lies before the hate can take place.

[pstuart]

As anti-religion as I am, I never want to ascribe malice to anyone just because they are religious. But once they use their faith as a weapon against others it cross the line of decency.

There's nothing wrong with feeling uncomfortable about the subject because to you it's not "normal", but thats on you if it is.