for or against transgender [adjustment?] must include the rejoinder, that no matter what gender they identify with, they do not infringe the rights of others. Period! I did not say sensibilities. That said, I truly feel sorry for the person who is trapped in the wrong body. I see that you share those sentiments. This seems to be a very well thought out letter to one's peer group.
I liked the honest thoughts and feeling that you felt their pain. ~ Nicely done. ~ Geez.
.

My brother-in-law, Tom/Barbra was a Transgender person. She came out to Steve and me a very long time ago. She and I went through my closet and found things for her to wear. We socialized together. Swimming in our pool. Sitting on the deck drinking lemonade, laughing and talking. We went out to places like Chanhassen Dinner Theater and the Renaissance Festival for example. She would have loved your poem.

She is no longer with us, as she had a heart attack and passed instantly. I miss her company and reading the stories She wrote.

My Sister (the oldest) was outraged that I accepted Barbra for who she was.

*hugs, Cat

I've got to agree with Geezer, nobody's rights are trammelled when someone expresses their gender identity. I am always shocked when someone gets "in your face" about something that has absolutely nothing to do with them. You would think that I would be used to it by now, but it still just astounds me.

In any case, the poem covers the attempt to see things from a different person's perspective; to understand the meaning of their memories and fears. It is a reminder that we always need to attempt to understand other people's feelings. Something we all need to keep in mind during this highly partisan era.

Well done.

Hi Lavender, what a compassionate piece of writing. This subject has been mishandled many times but I thought your work discussed it in such a gentle and loving way it gives the reader and opportunity to consider beyond what they don't know or understand. For me these few lines were the most fluid:
I step past your memories -
the hazy parts of your life
that didn't fit properly.
There is a whole lot of humanity, empathy and perception in your writing, I wish I had written this.
Excellent work, Ruby :) xx

Well done on stepping inside someone else's skin and walking around for a time to see where they have been and where they are now. I have many friends in the LGBTQ community and I agree with Steve and Geezer..that stating their identity does not effect anyone elses rights. We all have a right to our preferences and individuality. It is hard enough to survive in society let alone fight with ourselves because we are trapped in the wrong body. Love and acceptance is as important to them and should be extended in the same.way.that we extend it to someone who has lost a loved one or is going through a chronic illness. Thank you for addressing this in such a compassionate way.