Abide

When I was maybe 8 years old I would ask my father why I needed to go to church. I needed to have it explained to me since I hadn't chosen to be born and yet I was supposed to praise a deity I had never seen. 

I approached things, if not as an outright cynic, than at least as a deep questioner who wanted more evidence if I was to convince others that my belief system was solid. 

The topic of gender variance was no exception and I wanted to understand the variables involved, the amount of choice being exercised, the balance of nature versus nurture. Yes, there was brain chemistry involved but was it steeped in delusion and illness? I proceeded to try and find out to solve my own personal life riddle. 

In a sense the answer came through the realization that there were far too many variables at play and that ultimately people don't choose to suffer or be shunned. To be sure, there are those for whom this is nothing more than a pastime but I think they are not the majority. 

Also, the societal prescription for gender behavior was completely invented and overly rigid. It curtailed the public through intimidation and fear of shunning. As a result some people developed deep stigma and guilt which in some cases became fetish. In other words, much ado about nothing encouraged obsession where it need not exist because suppression can do that. Lifting it carefully can help to provide answers.

That society is full of idiots is beyond question and the longer we live the easier they are to recognize. But in the lifting of the blinders we may find ourselves fortunate to be free of obligation and stress from the irrational that many would just as soon not question and simply abide by.