Nothing as a given

If we could start with the term gender variance as a general description and then drill down to each person's motivation it could make things simpler. For example, the person would just explain why they have or haven't transitioned and that would be it. 200 years ago no one transitioned because they couldn't and discussions on the subject matter would be made pointless.

People want assurances that they aren't crazy or dysfunctional which is why nomenclature and belonging to a group or community matters so much to them. Years ago I would see virulent arguments online regarding authenticity which have now become even bigger discussions over the meaning of the term 'trans'.

But an understanding of who you are necessitates we distance ourselves from groupthink so we aren't unduly influenced. Our assessment will be a more honest one because it assumed nothing as a given from the start.