Good essay Martie.

I suppose that I might have ended up identifying as non-binary, had it been an option, those many years ago. There’s no way to know. It is what it is.

I’m definitely, absolutely, sure that everyone needs acceptance, “membership” in some group, or “demographic”. The gatekeeping of the “members” of such,(perceived), groups, is often cruel, always a fight-or-flight reaction to fear.

The only way that I’ve found to gain acceptance is being a consistently good friend and neighbor, a contributor of good things to the “group” in question, over a long period of time.

Although the criticism of the gatekeeper’s criteria is on point, entirely justifiable, and just plain correct, fussing at them only causes them to “dig their heels in”.

Explaining to people the fallacious and unfounded nature of their arguments is futile. They are as fully entrenched, “sure of”, their position as I am.

The instinctive need to defend my child, the “flesh of my flesh” is undeniable, and often cathartic.

When I accepted the reality of the situation, I realized that it’s simply not possible to argue people out of their prejudices. They will never simply accept anyone who is “different”, in their belief, by simply having it explained to them, no matter how sound, logical and just plain right the explanation is.

Although it would be nice for people to simply accept me, once I have explained myself, it’s always going to be a rare occurrence.

I’m going to say the thing that most frustrated me, when I was young…

It takes time, lots of time. Annoyingly, frustratingly, sometimes enragingly, time takes time.

Keep pushing though, I’m sure that your efforts are helping, just don’t expect any tangible results, in less than a generation.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Peace Love Kindness Respect the more you give the more you get 😍

😍😘😇🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼