My grandma thought transgenderism is caused by bad parenting

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So yesterday, my grandmother dropped by because my birthday was the day before and she came into my room while I was perfectly content with reading a book. At some point, she started talking about Chaz Bono (previously Chastity Bono) and how Cher doing whatever she did (my grandmother thought she was a bad parent or she was screwing around with other guys, I don't remember) caused BOTH her kids to become transgender.

I tried ignoring her, not looking at her or giving her the slightest nod, just reading my book, but she KEPT TALKING!

At one point, I said it was a biological thing that transgender people can't control feeling, but she disagreed. She said, "I can see one person doing that, but TWO of her kids??"

I was so annoyed. I was glad when she finally left.

Grandma's got a point. Chaz did not have an easy life and it was because his parents were who they were. We are very affected by our environment as we develop, so what we become has a lot to do with our parents. So what? Let Grandma have her opinion. She can be wrong or right. It's all just gossip.

I've seen reports showing sexuality is half nature and half nurture - I've seen reports showing all nature and reports showing all nurture. No one can agree about origins but it is what it is right now, eh?

Saying Sonny and Cher were bad parents for raising a transgender child assumes that being transgender is a bad thing. Was that her point?

I would be more concerned about why she brought it up in the first place. Does your g-ma always gossip about celebrities with you?

With most people, emotionality and ego trump science and logic.

I've found that "gender," sexuality, and "intelligence" are three things that most people can't discuss rationally because they feel that questioning the commonly accepted standards for the aforementioned means that THEIR "identities" are being questioned.

I've never understood why the majority is so intent on adhering to socially dictated "identities."

Well, she's still your grandmother. She obviously loves you and desires to spend time with you. Perhaps she's trying to find a topic you will like - but more likely she's trying to "guide" you.

Try an experiment. Have something you're interested in ready to share with her the next time she visits. Be nice, don't use the weirdest interest you have...

Or, show some interest in her. Ask her something about her childhood. Life before cell phones was very different. She will give you a unique perspective.

What music did she listen to when she was a kid? Did she like boys? When did she learn to drive? Did she ever get in a wreck? etc...