Lori Gunnell
Jul 25, 2017 · 2 min read

You are funny. You write a diatribe accusing trans people of trying to “”force” you to believe something they believe (like they can force you to believe anything), and then deny that you have lack of compassion and respect for them.

“I hate to break it to you but nobody is afraid of “trans people” (whatever they are.) Most people just feel sorry for them because they are deluding themselves.”

That’s you (above) dismissing trans people as delusional, calling them a “whatever you are,” and saying people feel sorry for them. One, that is a totally disrespectful statement that dismisses an entire group of people. Two, you are not in charge of saying what “most people” feel. Three, reality is not measured by feelings? Oh, really?

Have you heard the advertising missive that perception is 99% of reality? Perception is guided by feelings and desires. People live their lives according to their feelings and desires. They start wars based on them, start political movements and build monuments — things that are tangible and real.

When a trans person changes their gender and lives a new life according to how they feel — who they believe they are — they’re creating a new reality for themselves. You have every right to call them names and dismiss their right to be who they are, but don’t pretend to be tolerant and compassionate.

And, again, no one can force you or Larry or anyone else to believe something they don’t believe. That does not mean they don’t have a right to believe it or to fight for their human and civil rights. They do and they should.

    Lori Gunnell

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