Opinion post by a trans woman on Reddit with huge karma

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I'm a transgender American & trans activism on issues like women's sports is eroding support for both our community & the left at large

I am a long transitioned trans woman & a progressive.

And I support trans rights. I support anti-discrimination laws, bathroom access, id changes, and trans healthcare (including surgeries) being covered.

But trans issues are complicated. There is no fairness to women if trans women compete in women's sports. I think locker rooms, rape crisis centers, and similar spaces for women need to be protected. Neopronouns should not be considered part of the trans umbrella.

And the lack of nuance from the Democrats & progressives helped cost the election. Trump spent over $200 million in ads on trans issues & it worked. I don't think it was the primary reason he won, but a major secondary reason.

One of my favorite shows is The Young Turks. Ana & Cenk have been labeled as transphobes by so many folks for simply stating points like I did here. I'm 2019, Bernie Sanders was called a transphobe because he had a great convo with Joe Rogan.

This cannot continue. We need to center trans rights in a common sense way, before all trans rights are lost. We need to advocate for progressive values in a way that welcomes all, including young men.

The Democrats & the progressives can advocate for social justice in a way that doesn't alienate people. Pretending people like Joe Rogan is an awful person and not talking to him is what pushes folks like him further right.

I say this with all love & exasperation. I want everyone to move past this and come back together in a more nuanced perspective.