Look Eric you can bring up case studies to attempt to prove your point. But I’ve actually had friends that have gone through the pain of social chastisement on the issue and have attempted to be friends with them
and support them on their decisions. Have you done that?
Also, I'd be curious to know whether or not these friends of yours were all born with both parts of if it was just the one person you mentioned. If all, wow that is definitely something. But if not, I'd like to know if you think there was anything else they suffered from that caused them to choose a different gender? Like sexual abuse, autism, depression, anxiety?
These are some of the things we must consider and bring to light on national transgender day. Sometimes being a friend means speaking the hard truths, not enabling poor decisions. I'm not saying that's the case for you with your friends- just sharing the sentiment from yet another personal experience. I'll spare the details. Just know I wish to be the friend that, if I see a red flag, I'd like to know I am willing to share my Heart on the matter. It doesn't mean the other has to listen, it only means I tried. Even if I'm wrong. And by doing so, I am not robbing the individual from making their own choice.
I also mentioned Magnus Hirschfield because I do believe there is societal programming and thought the brief history I read on him was rather fascinating. To not see parallels is fool hearted. In the film they say the inventor of the labatomy was held in high regard. He was even given a nobel peace prize. Only later was it perceived as barbaric. I immediately saw a parallel with Hirschfields brutal attempts at male-to-female sex change. Now, we don't know the accurate account of history. But I do think gender-affirming care is of great concern with todays standards and practices, and I do think mental illness needs to be looked at- not just for transgender individuals but all people.
