Hi, are you here for a curious conversation? Please review the guidelines, because you're cross-examining and attacking the weakest interpretation of what I've said.
> Be kind. Don't be snarky. Have curious conversation; don't cross-examine. Comments should get more thoughtful and substantive, not less, as a topic gets more divisive.
> Please respond to the strongest plausible interpretation of what someone says, not a weaker one that's easier to criticize. Assume good faith.
I specifically referenced the title of the book, because it should be a dead giveaway that the book isn't a great start for this conversation. Nowhere did I say that I only looked at the title, that's your weakening interpretation. I read about a dozen reviews, pro and con, and I'm quite familiar with the literature and science on the subject of trans people.
> It never says that the crazy describes all trans people. It doesn't call all trans fakes.
Sorry, did you even read what I wrote? I didn't say anything about "all trans people". I said that the book is cherrypicking. I'm not denying that those cases exist, I'm saying that those cases are rare.
> You basically dismiss everyone in the book as just being unable to "cope with loss"
Who are you responding to??? I didn't say anything about that.
> Your experience in the 90s has little bearing on 2020 where you get instant social proof on social media in some circles by putting a rainbow flag in your username.
Oh hey, an actual reference to something that I wrote! I'll respond to that. I specifically noted my experience in the 90s, because my transition was delayed 'til the 2010s. I specifically explained why we're seeing a massive increase in the rate of people coming out. But you missed it, because you're focused on attacking the weakest interpretation of what I said.
> That you give yourself so much authority on trans matters, especially in response to such a reasonable point, is kind of an example of what I see as modern trans clout these days.
Yeah, I've got so much "clout". People in my industry are happy to give plaudits for my "bravery", but multiple previous co-authors have ghosted me. Co-workers don't take me seriously like they used to. So professionally, I experience tokenization and isolation. I've lost family, I've lost friends, but if I had a twitter account I'm sure I'd get some followers. But some of my trans friends do get extra followers for being trans -- many of them chasers and trans antagonists who are variously bent on making their lives hell. Whoop di fucking doo. I'd strongly prefer to not be trans, but that's not a choice I've got.
Am I an authority on trans matters? Well, I am a member of the community and I see the good the bad and the ugly -- both from within, and from without. I'm also in regular contact with high-school age trans kids through group counselling -- I don't share their experiences because that would violate their confidentiality.
So what's your basis for authority? All I see is your experiences with amphetamines and you may have read a book about trans people that was written by a blatant transphobe. And you're imploring me to have an open mind. Guffaw.