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Culture War Roundup for the week of November 21, 2022

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To leave aside the divisive "groomer" argument, you still need to argue that transgenderism is inherently-negative cetis paribus--i.e., the problems associated with it would still be present absent the element of social stigma. This doesn't have to include over-correcting enthusiasm, just more whether these outcomes are replicable in a vacuum.

To leave aside the divisive "groomer" argument, you still need to argue that transgenderism is inherently-negative cetis paribus--i.e., the problems associated with it would still be present absent the element of social stigma. This doesn't have to include over-correcting enthusiasm, just more whether these outcomes are replicable in a vacuum.

If given the choice to be trans or not be trans I think the choice is obvious, but I can argue it if you'd like.

non-socially derived negatives of being trans:

  • lifetime dependence on expensive and experimental pharmaceuticals

  • difficulties with procreation

  • additional difficulties presenting as your gender

  • imperfect medical science is not able to actually grant you experiences core to your gender's identity

  • drastically reduced romantic options

positives of being trans:

  • ??? I genuinely cannot think of a single one.

This is like trying to defend why someone might want their kids to not be convinced to poke out their eyes to join the the blind community. I can see why the blind community would not want to be stigmatized if they cannot help it but any blind person trying to argue there is genuinely nothing wrong or bad about being blind is expressing a coping mechanism. Are you actually willing to defend the idea that it is just as good to be trans as cis?

Are you actually willing to defend the idea that it is just as good to be trans as cis?

I'm personally not, but I merely ask if it is so negative as to make it too costly--and wonder then how anyone could ever justify paying a cost. Maybe gender dysphoria is that bad that someone would endure all the things you listed.

People regularly give their life willingly to cults. This is the population that eats tide pods for clout. I am not convinced that many prepubescent children can even understand what they're giving up when they agree to something like puberty blockers. I'm not going to ascribe this belief to you but it's frequently asserted that 18 year olds can't understand loans and thus college debt forgiveness should be taken more seriously, are we really supposed to believe the people who still sometimes believe in Santa understand the repercussions of lifetime pharmaceutical dependence?

The divisiveness is a good thing. How else are you supposed to push back against the growing attempt to influence children into joining the transgender movement? The LGBT movement has pressed hard on divisiveness, tactically calling everyone who opposes them "transphobic" or "homophobic." The "groomer" word is completely fair game. Language is powerful, your side has used it effectively, this is what conservatives using it against you looks like.

you still need to argue that transgenderism is inherently-negative cetis paribus--i.e., the problems associated with it would still be present absent the element of social stigma.

That's easy. The medical consequences of transition will be there no matter the social stigma. A more debatable point is that reducing stigma to reduce trans suicides seems to be a mirage.