This is also why cis people tend to disbelieve in the existence of trans children: because they see trans identities as inherently sexual, they believe they must then be "imposed" on children.

The idea that trans kids have a gender identity as natural and real as a cis person's simply does not compute to people who have been conditioned to view everything about gender in sexualized terms.

It's frequently futile even having these conversations with cis people who haven't examined their assumptions because their status as "normal" is extremely important to them.

It's why even so-called allies become squeamish about gender affirming care for trans kids and will often couch their support for trans people in "live and let terms" for "consenting adults" only.

Because they think being trans is all about fucking.

@gwynnion
It makes me wonder how many cis people secretly fetishize trans people while repressing their own self-doubt.

If their "forbidden" feelings are entirely sexual, they think everyone else's have to be.

@gwynnion
I feel like I should add, I speak from experience. I wasn't trans-reactionary* by any stretch, but it took a significant nudge to reveal how many of my... "interests" stemmed from a desire for something I thought I could never achieve for myself.

*Note: I don't like the term "transphobic" to describe those who are actively anti-trans. A phobia implies either a neurotic fear or a fear out of ignorance. That kind of transphobia can be reduced by education. Trans-reactionaryism is another story.

I don't mean to correct anyone's terminology, especially as the new girl on the block, but precise communication has always been a personal goal.