There’s something that’s been on my mind lately… If gender is a construct, then being trans would be a result of social environment, no? I’ve heard arguments that there’s a genetic factor as well but I haven’t heard any studies to back it up. Personally, I don’t believe in altering your body to feel comfortable. Hair and clothes are one thing but getting surgery and physically destroying and rebuilding what you were born with feels wrong. You shouldn’t need to alter your body to feel comfortable. Just because I didn’t like my figure for a long time doesn’t mean I’m trans. I feel like a lot of people are seeking out a permanent solution to a temporary problem. There is something in our society called body dysmorphia and it is certainly not exclusive to trans people. I feel like if you’re feeling negative about your body- like you’re not comfortable in your own skin- then you should get the help you need. Therapy would probably be the first step. A therapist neutral on the subject would probably be best- that way you wouldn’t be swayed one way or the other. If, after attending therapy regularly for at least a year, then you should be informed enough to go through with any procedure you wish. My biggest concern about this whole ordeal is that CHILDREN are making these decisions and their parents are just LETTING them! If we can all agree that you must be a legal adult to do certain things (drive, drink, smoke, rent a car, get a house) then WHY are we left children make life-altering decisions? I’m 18 and I still don’t think I’m informed enough to make a decision like that. While, yes, adults can do as they please and they can ruin their bodies if they’d like, I am begging that the decision is an informed one!!! Some of these procedures and medications will make people infertile!!! This decision is often times irreversible and we’re just letting everyone do as they please! While I believe in supporting your children in their passions, I also believe in getting help when you need it. It is imperative to analyze every available option and course of action before diving into the most popular one that could potentially ruin your life. Thinking like this is what saved me from myself. People are not perfect. I am not perfect. No one is perfect!!! We are people and people are flawed. I want our next generation to be strong and independent, but I also don’t want them to feel like they have to change who they are to be happy. The world is a scary place right now and it’s only getting worse.
