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The original was posted on /r/nostupidquestions by /u/Nath23_ on 2023-08-08 17:17:40+00:00.
First off, I support all human rights, including trans, non-binary and any other LGBTQ+ rights. I am just having a hard time understanding why the gender binary cannot coexist with a full expression of individuality, and am asking these questions to gain a better understanding, not out of prejudice.
If you were to ask me what it means to feel like my gender, I would have no idea what to tell you. I just know what it feels like to be me, and what my experience as a woman has been in this world. But my experience as a woman says everything about the current social atmosphere, and nothing about what being a woman inherently means. E.g. wanting to wear heels doesn't make you less of a man, even though this society might make you feel like that. So I have a few questions:
I agree that your sex says nothing more about you than the basic biological differences, so since we construct gender ourselves:
- Why is it necessary for some people to transition from one gender to the other? Do they really feel like they wouldn't be able to be themselves without certain characteristics of the other gender (E.g. high/low pitch voice, breasts, genitals), or do they think that other people wouldn't perceive them as they want?)
- What makes people who identify as non-binary feel that they don't fit into either of the genders? Isn't that just giving in to the existing gender roles, by saying that these don't fit you. Why isn't it possible to construct what your assigned gender means to you on an individual level? And why is it then necessary to reject the entire binary system.
Again I am just asking these questions to gain a better understanding. Unfortunately I don't have any friends who (openly!) are transgender or non-binary. I have tried asking friends who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, but they also couldn't really answer this for me. Any input is appreciated! Let's please stay kind and respectful towards one another <3