#genderdiversity

Large Diverse Assembly of Individuals

It’s becoming increasingly common to see how conservative narratives weaponize individual experiences to invalidate diverse identities and deny people access to their rights.

A clear example? Detransitioners — especially those who transitioned FTM and later reversed it.

Their stories are valid, of course. But it’s telling how sensationalist media and conservative podcasts rush to amplify their voices only when it serves to argue against gender-affirming care.

And —personal opinion here, but I think many would agree— this tends to happen most when the person in question was once perceived as a woman. Conservatives love the “misled woman” narrative, even if they won’t admit it out loud.

The issue isn’t that they speak up — the issue is when their experience is turned into a tool to silence others.

Because if we’re going to talk about regret, let’s be honest: far more people regret getting married or having kids... and no one’s trying to ban those things.

There are also people with nonconforming gender expressions or trans umbrella identities who say things like “I present this way, but I don’t expect to be treated like a woman/man because I’m not one.”

And while they’re free to live as they choose, those statements often end up reinforcing the same biological essentialism that harms others —especially when used to say that other trans people are “asking for too much” just by wanting to be respected, addressed properly, or have access to basic rights.

This is particularly common with older trans women or travestis, who are now media darlings after being ignored or criminalized for decades.

There’s also the occasional gay or lesbian who says their sexuality is a “private” or “intimate” matter — and that’s why they don’t hold hands or kiss in public, “unlike those other gays.”

Let’s be clear: private and intimate aren’t the same. Intimacy is about space — something done in a personal setting. Privacy is about autonomy — choosing what to share and with whom. Showing affection publicly is not crossing a line; it’s existing freely.

And of course, the recent wave of TikTokers and podcasters — women promoting tradwife aesthetics, praising male domination, celebrating feminine fragility, or claiming motherhood is the only true purpose of a woman.

Look, if that’s your thing in your relationship, go for it. But don’t try to impose it on others.

And definitely don’t parade it on the podcast of a guy who only sees you as a mouthpiece for his misogyny.

Because personal experiences are just that: personal. Not universal truths. Not excuses to justify hate. Not tools to erase those who live differently.