Quote from: Megumi on December 17, 2013, 12:10:08 PM
I think the main reason why there is so much negativity is because for the most part, that's all most of us have at that very moment is negativity in nearly every direction in their life. I can look back at my older posts and that's just about all I had until things started moving forward for myself. I was very active early on looking for support when I had just about none.
I find it ludicrous to think/believe that a person isn't transitioning because they don't have a picture of themselves as their avatar or that if they do then they are on some kind of pedestal above all others . Quite frankly it has troll written all over it, especially given previous posts that I've read from that poster. People choose their avatar for many different reasons, some are out full time and don't care that their picture is on the internet, some are part time, some are still in the closet, some are still trying to figure themselves out, or they like a particular character from a show...ect. It's all up to that person and that's one thing that I can say as I honestly don't use that as the deciding factor on whether or not I'll take their advise or not. I look at what they say and that shows me their character and if they are worthy of being listened to.
Honestly, I don't think Katie meant anything bad or was attempting to troll by what she said. I just think it's easy to forget where you once were. One of my best friends is a post op transwomen and it seems like her transition is a blur or just so long ago that it's no longer important. Her only connection to the trans community has been me and she prefers it that way. I respect that and probably will be the same myself. Her perspective isn't going to be the same as those of us who are starting out or in the middle of things. Even my perspective in terms of positivity and negativity on transitioning isn't even the same as it was when I started. In March I thought just seeing a therapist was a big deal. Today, I laugh that I was so paranoid about such a small step. We just need to emphasize with everyone as best as we can and understand where they are coming from. Some people are where I once was and some are where I'd like to be. I respect the feelings of both even if I disagree at times.
Nonetheless, I agree that people don't have to show their face if they don't want to. My biggest fear is who may be looking as there are a lot of creeps out there. Other than that, I'm just an insecure chicken, lol. Maybe one day I will, but it will probably be to a select few that I trust. Either way, I don't think one's choice of presentation calls into question their credibility or transition status. And at the end of the day, I've shared more than many here and have oppened up about pretty much everything (something I sometimes regret). So, if someone questions my honesty, than that is their own issue. It's nothing to get upset over if that is their own opinion for right or for wrong.
