Changing gender not a lifestyle

The term “lifestyle” is frequently associated with gay and transgender people. Deciding to color one’s hair red is a lifestyle. Being gay is not a lifestyle; it’s the way a person is born. Similarly, changing one’s gender is not a lifestyle. It is an effort to realize one’s real identity.

Realizing identity through gender change is dangerous. Prejudice against transgenders is widespread and intense. The ignorant thugs that attacked Jacina Carla Scamahorn are like those who are prejudiced against Jews, African Americans and gays.

Acceptance of transgender people is a frontier of social enlightenment. If we knew of the torment these folks endure as they make their changes, perhaps we could be more charitable.

In a recent panel discussion at a Spokane church, one person told how she, along with 29 others, started making some type of gender change several years ago. As of today, 28 of those people have committed suicide.

It’s a tough journey these people choose. Their journey is difficult for most of us to understand or judge, but then we really don’t need to. We just need to treat them as people.

Warren Carpenter

Spokane