Why should society redefine men and women to accommodate gender identity?
I believe gender dysphoria is real, and I understand that transgender people have faced, and continue to face, a lot of cruelty and discrimination. I also believe you should have the freedom to make whatever changes to your body you feel are necessary.
But there are somethings I don’t understand and my hope is that we can have an honest conversation.
Sex existed long before humans. We recognized males and females long before discovering chromosomes. Gender roles were socially constructed around sex, but that doesn’t mean sex itself is a social construct.
So why not challenge those gender roles instead of redefining men and women?
Why can’t someone say, “I’m male, but I feel like a woman. I experience gender dysphoria, so I’ve chosen to take estrogen or undergo surgery. But I’m still male, and I’m not ashamed of being feminine, even more feminine than some women.”
I know terms like AMAB and AFAB exist. I know many transgender people acknowledge their sex at birth. That’s not my point.
My question is why someone’s internal experience should require the rest of society to change its language and definitions.
For example, why are we encouraged to say “pregnant people” instead of “pregnant mothers” because some transgender men give birth? Pregnancy and childbirth are female reproductive functions. They’re among the most fundamental expressions of womanhood. Why should we change the language surrounding motherhood because someone who gives birth doesn’t identify as a woman?
And if transitioning relieves gender dysphoria, why does “passing” remain such a major concern for some people? Why must other people’s perception match what someone feels internally?
Then there’s the question of honesty. If someone knows they’re male but presents as a woman, and a potential partner consequently believes they’re female, how is knowingly allowing that misunderstanding to continue not deceptive, or even lying? Especially when sex, sexual compatibility, and having children matter to that person.
And why should accepting yourself mean asking society to redefine reality around you? Why can’t it also mean accepting your sex while expressing yourself however you want?
I’m not against anyone transitioning or living as they choose. I’m questioning why respecting someone’s identity should require everyone else to change their understanding of sex.
Why can’t we make room for THE MANY people who don’t fit traditional gender expectations without redefining what men and women are?