Media To Transgender People: Always Listen, Never Speak

Given the recent rise in transphobia in western politics — ranging from various pieces of legislation on the state level which could make it illegal for transgender people to exist publicly to the government of the United Kingdom blocking Scotland from implementing pro-transgender laws — one would think now would be a good time to talk to transgender people about the issues they face. That would be the correct answer, hence why it’s one thing the media refuses to do at the moment.

Enter a 1/18/2023 article from The Atlantic running the headline “Take Detransitioners Seriously.” The article, written by self-identified “trans academics” Leo Valdes and Kinnon MacKinnon, is a masterpiece is saying absolutely fucking nothing despite managing to write thousands of words. Like — this is normally the part where I would quote from it and respond to things said in it — but it says so little that nothing in it even gives me anything to respond to. I will say, I was particularly angered by this line:

Some trans-rights advocates have likened detransitioners to the ex-gay movement or described them as anti-trans grifters.

The article then links to a piece from Slate with the headline “An ‘Ex-Detransitioner’ Disavows the Anti-Trans Movement She Helped Spark.” As the headline should make obvious, the person making…