I'm honestly surprised that people are still debating transgenderism in terms of how regular people should "deal with it." I wish I could put this in the pile of things I don't give a shit about, but it's finally time for me to step in with a little perspective. This has become a really really dumb wedge distraction issue and there is a way we can move on from this embarrassing little episode of human history like adults.
First, the consistent application of respect for property rights is essential here. Everyone has the right to do what they want with their own body, end of story. Where this becomes an issue is with freedom of association and trying to control others. If you want your right to not associate with someone to be respected, you have to respect the rights of others to set the rules on their own property. And unless you want government agents checking everyone's gender at bathroom entrances, shut the fuck up and let businesses set their own policies. And if you DO want TSA in your Target, you should just shut up so you can stop embarrassing yourself.
As for how you address people, if you don't address people how they want to be addressed, (as long as we're talking names and genders) you're just a dick. Don't be a dick. Sure, you have the right to free speech and decent people have a right to leave you to people who enjoy your company if you can find them.
Now before you try to tell me about normalizing mental illness, try putting your knee jerk reactions and pathetic attempts to justify your discomfort aside, so you don't get embarrassed here. Being kind and compassionate to people with mental illness isn't normalizing mental illness, it's normalizing BEING KIND AND COMPASSIONATE to EVERYONE, regardless of whether or not they have a mental health issue.
There. That should do it. Can we all be grown ups about this now?
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