The right to mis-define oneself

[bennyboy]

Have you ever actually MET any transgender individuals? Because your ignorance is showing, you may want to put it back in its box.

I lived on the streets of Vancouver for several years as a teen, so yes, I've met transgender individuals. I almost kissed one once, but a few too many whiskers showed up through the makeup under the streetlights.

I do not like the liberal technique of branding anyone ignorant who doesn't agree that words can mean whatever you want them to if someone's feelings are involved. I'm not ignorant of gender issues, identity issues, of brain and hormonal differences that affect feelings, etc. I know how some of these developments begin in the womb. When you say I'm ignorant, I believe you are saying, "You're ignorant, because you don't accept what everyone these days knows should be accepted." That's not ignorance-- it's disagreement.

I'm not talking about whether people should be accepted or respected. I'm talking about whether people get to declare that they are what they are not. I can't just get a tan and dreadlocks and start telling everyone I'm an African prince. Because I'm not one, and reality matters.