first off i just want to say im not trying to start beef with this topic, i know we got people on both extremes of the spectrum. but im just interested in this and want to hear what ya'll have to say.
trans people have been in the new a lot lately, especially with all this bathroom discussion going around. a lot of people still aren't accepting of it, which isn't surprising because its such a foreign concept. the argument that comes up a lot on the opposing side is that: being transloveual is a mental disability. point of discussion im making is: if it is, why is this a problem, and why shouldn't it be accepted/accommodated?
ive spoke with trans people before, and theyve explained their difficulties with identifying as a different gender to me. for them, its extremely difficult and not just a matter of "damn i want some long hair give me my own bathroom". one girl (was a dude, went to a girl) grew up in a small town that was pretty conservative and religious for the most part, and gays/trans weren't really accepted. she grew up in this constant state of feeling out of place and it was just an extreme burden for her to go about her life being a guy. she couldn't connect as well with other guys, felt extremely uncomfortable when it came to dating, and as a whole, her entire childhood was just mentally overbearing. she fell into deep depression as a result, ended up getting perscribed pills (which she hated because it didn't really fix her issue) that she took up until she made a transition. she didn't get surgery or hormones or anything because she already looks kindve feminine.
the way this girl explains her situation just makes it sound like a very legitimate mental disability. while genetically yeah, shes a guy, mentally she just couldn't picture herself living her life out as a guy. for her, it wasnt just a choice because being a girl seemed cooler, it was an actual problem she had to deal with every day.
now are there people that just want to be trans for fun or something? yes, and i think thats not something that should be accommodated in any way, drag queens dont deserve any special treatment. but for people who legitimately have this issue? yes, classify it as a mental disability, and provide them with avenues for treatment. whether that be: trying to "treat" it (psychiatrist or something), or getting a surgery/hormones. doesnt have to be government funded or anything, but their shouldn't be so much animosity held towards someone because of something they can't change. i see it in the same light as depression
i know theres still a lot of other points that could be brought up. its not such a black and white situation, but i guess my opinion on it is: be more open minded in general, and dont be so quick to judge people so harshly.
also i havent looked anything up regarding whether or not it is classified as a mental disability, correct me on anything
