So I read through the entire thread, then I read your article. The fact that gender does not equal sexuality is really hitting home. So you have 3 letters, LGB, all sexuality related, then T, gender related. Gay is gay, lesbian is lesbian, bi is bi, but transgender can mean so many different things to different people.
I think the first step is to make it clear that not all m2f were gay men before, or all f2m were lesbians, etc. It should be firmly planted that the T in LGBT should not actually be lumped together in the category of sexuality. In my own opinion, I don't think the T should be there at all.
How can we come to gaining all the privileges and rights any opressed group fights for when within our own group there are so may differences on individual basis? Gays can because it is their sexuality and romantic interest in the same sex. A very clear and concise thing to understand. Transgender to me, however, may be different than transgender to you. In rudimentary form, it is of course, transitioning gender, but isn't so much more than just that? I may be fine with stopping with just HRT, while you may need to have SRS to feel fine.
Try explaining that to people who aren't trans. It is simply overwhelming and confusing. I mean, IM trans, and yet still I get confused from time to time on folks' personal decisions in their own transitions. I guess I view that T in LGBT as a bit of an anomaly. it's a very personal experience and literal journey and a hard concept to describe to someone.
Either way, its a rough road ahead.
