Quote from: Jigsaw. on March 04, 2015, 05:42:43 PM
People seem to have a hang up about equating being trans to being gay. I dont get why they cant tell the difference like its even remotely the same thing
I see this a lot, including in this thread. It seems to me a little unfair to say either it's not "remotely" the same thing, or to consider it a ridiculous connection to make. It is, of course, not the same thing, but it's related in the sense that it both are deviations from the "norm" in gender-related ways. But I feel like it's a little unfair to give someone grief for not recognizing that if they've not had reason to think critically about it. It's taken society, including doctors, psychologists, and scientists, a long time to understand what we currently do about it.
I do get that it's kind of frustrating, and also that some people don't catch on even when smacked with a clue stick. But especially on coming out, I think anything anyone says to convey that they are supportive is a win, even if it's tone deaf or ignorant.
I'm not out to many people yet, so (fortunately) have not personally encountered many ridiculous comments yet. I guess the closest has been my mother, who is positive and supportive but clearly worried about the realities of transition. The last couple times I've talked to her on the phone have been "[X scary thing] is such a scary thing, you'd really have to be sure to be willing to do that. Are you really sure?" (X has included things like electrolysis, family/friends who might react badly, and probably a few other things.) I mean, I understand and appreciate that she's both personally having anxieties about it and also trying to be sure I've thought these things through, but I really need it to stop soon...