Okay, the last thread I made on Social Issues got closed, let's see if this one can remain open.

This is a thread to speak about various social issues. I would like there to be a mature, thoughtful discussion about various different issues and topics that affect our society. The idea is to have one issue at a time and let everyone give their opinion on it, then we can change to a different issue when everyone is ready.

Please keep the discussion friendly and welcoming and if you get angry at one of the posters because they share a different view-point from you, please ignore them rather than attack them.

RULES:
- No trolling
- No personal attacks
- No overtly-explicit posts

For anyone who breaks these rules, I will request an immediate thread-ban.

FIRST ISSUE: TRANSPHOBIA

Okay, changed the first topic since clearly no one was here for it.

what's the 1st topic ?

Transphobia. It was originally animal rights/abuse but no one was here for it, so I think transphobia may be more appropriate, especially for ATRL.

It's definitely more appropriate considering the mess going on in your other thread

It's appalling how ignorant people are, especially since most here are LGBT themselves, you'd think they'd be more open minded.

I know . I guess I should change the topic of this before it gets closed too.

I agree, it's really sad. Some people are so ignorant.

That's what is so funny. People in the LGBT community strive for equalization, but there is so much segregation within the community. It's absurd.

People are illogical and fear/reject those who are different from themselves. You'd think black people would be sympathetic to the gay rights cause, you'd think that gay people would be sympathetic to transphobia, and so on - alas, that isn't necessarily the case.

I lived with a trans person (F>M) at uni for a bit and I got a very brief glimpse into that world. He was very quiet so I didn't pry, but from observing how people reacted to him (including myself) was enlightening. Just made me really appreciate how difficult the entire ordeal must be and how people simply being respectful and polite would make a huge difference to his day to day life. I didn't witness abuse or anything, but my friends/flatmates were quite intrusive (out of curiosity) and hesitant, and considering they're pretty nice/liberal it made me wonder how bad it could be with those less so.

Right? Like i''m just baffled. We should embrace all members of our community instead of shaming them.

When I first came out I was scare of trans people . Like I wouldn't be around them I didn't like them at all. But now I'm more open minded and I have a few trans friends

I have no issues against transsexual people because in my mind, they are no different from anyone else. They are just people.

That being said, what they choose to do with their bodies is up to them and their families, and it is none of my business, including my tax dollars.

My mum is teaching a trans girl. I just feel sorry for them, I can't imagine how hard it is to go through that.

I have no issues with transsexuals. Keep it to yourself. I feel the same way about the gays. It's not something that needs to be flaunted.

I'm gayer than gay, but I don't let it define me.

Keep it to yourself sounds like you want them to stay in the closet.

Why is ATRL so transphobic though? It really is one of the most transphobic forums I've ever been on. I really don't understand, considering it's filled with gays who jump at any chance to criticise homophobia and act persecuted at every given moment. Ugh!

I'm not in the closet. I'm out to anyone who cares to know. I'm just stating that things like 'gay pride' and whatnot perpetuate the hate. I makes me dislike the gays. Straight people don't have 'pride days'. Why do gay people need them?

What does that even mean though? Sounds like you're saying they should only be allowed to exist as long as they don't make people uncomfortable? A mess.

And it's cool that you don't let being gay define you, but that's never been the problem. The problem is that society will define you a certain way solely for being gay. Hence the need to publicly fight for rights.

Am I the only one who read it as Tryphobia?

I totally see where you are coming from. I'm sick of being reduced to my bedroom behavior, and I'm guessing for a lot of Trans folk, they would be sick of being reduced to what is hanging or not between their legs.

Oh come ON.

Why do you THINK there's gay pride? Why do you THINK there's black history month?

I don't do gay pride either, but seriously...