Judgemental.

A lot of rubbish has been said recently I have kept out of the arguments having resolved to stay out of the dreaded label (zzzzzz) discussion long ago.

Its easy to compartmentalise and doesn’t require a lot of thought, once ingrained this instant judgement is hard to overturn. There's only black and white (like transform or die), instead of the many shades of grey which we all inhabit. An assumption of someone's life and their case history follows.

The differences are very much exaggerated other than their condition, for example the young ts may find more commonality (like a love of country music or graphic novels) with a cd of the same age. The problem may be that being "..." (insert tg label) is the only thing they see as giving them their only sense of identity. In essence who they are. (I don't wish to be holier than thou about this early on after my initial bout of tranny euphoria it became too consuming for me).

Just a thought, hows about looking at what unites us instead of constantly trying to drive a wedge between everyone. Accept different points of view while being free to disagree. Support and encourage whether its someone's first step outside, their first visit chx and the many steps along someone's often difficult and sometimes painful journey.

Mistakes can be made. Sometimes things can get out of hand. Don't wade in too forcefully, don't be hyper sensitive and always read what has actually been written properly.

One should always be thoughtful of others and how they may respond.

Jeez sounds bloody obvious doesn't it, but many don't follow it especially online.

The suicide of Paul Tilley, the creative director of DDB Chicago. (After Suicide, Blog Insults Are Debated - New York Times) which has been blamed on critical comments posted. That's not to say boards should be made bland with all critical and disagreements removed. Attitudes and opinions should be challenged but it should not become an excuse to bully or impose their beliefs. They definitely should not be personal especially those aimed at his or her vulnerabilities. There is the exception where the two sides explicitly understand that its all for fun and know what's off limits.

In short the mantra for online discourse should be: DON'T BE A TWAT

If anything such disagreements do not help the transgender community present our cause and help fight bigotry and ignorance.