This is about compassion, not comprehension
I'd like to create a short, evolving list of the trans resources that have been particularly helpful for me (and my loved ones). One benefit of writing every day on this blog, even teeny tiny little posts like this, is that I have more generalized confidence that I can do the things I want to do. So I think I probably will create that trans resource list. One thing that will be top of the list is this conversation between the hosts of the Man Enough podcast and Alok. Alok speaks about our shared liberation, and how trans and gender nonconforming people show us--if we want to see-how there are as many ways to be a man or woman "as there are stars in the sky."
I was on a walk with a friend last week, a trans woman, and she was lamenting how people would respond to her with "but I just don't understand" (your trans-ness). My friend shared the insight that of course understanding shouldn't be a prerequisite for wishing someone or some group safety, dignity, respect. Alok centers this point during the interview. Compassion over comprehension: regardless of whether we understand someone or not, that we stand up for their dignity and worth, not to mention their basic human rights.
I've listened to the interview twice now and it's the kind of conversation that I want to print out and go through line by line, so I can reflect and write notes. It is so good, so clarifying, and so inspiring.