Now I am an ftm who bore my own child prior to transition and I am just... argh!  I noticed there were a lot of supportive people, but if anyone wants to join in on this please do.  I am about to make a comment there.

http://www.paperbackswap.com/forum/topic.php?t=111889

Thanks for sharing.  I've mostly stayed away from the thread.  I just don't have my head in the right place for a discussion like that at the moment.  I think your post is great.

I just wanted to mention that normally, I wouldn't consider it any of my business how or why someone got pregnant, what their plans are, etc.  But then, most people who get pregnant don't write magazine articles and appear on television shows to discuss their pregnancy and I think when he did that he opened himself up to people asking "why are you doing this?"

I just think it's a shame that he's pulling a stunt like this.  I agree that it isn't going to do anything good for others in similar positions.  Even if the pregnancy was planned and wanted and the baby was their sole goal, when they turn it into a public spectacle, the transgendered community and the child are bound to suffer.

Yeah, I didn't post there either, but my gut reaction on seeing the Oprah episode was "wow, this is really none of my business."  Why is everyone so preoccupied with other people's personal lives?  I don't know the factors that made him agree to do this show, so I can't judge whether its a play for attention or asking for acceptance.  What I really hope for is that we could live in a world where if a person wants to get pregnant and is physically able to do so, and can care & provide for the child, the rest of their life is not an issue.

And has for why he went public, it is probably to sell his book.

I would like to remind everyone that it is important to let your voice be heard if for no other reason than to tell people that you don't stand for their attitude or their actions.  Stand up and let your voice be heard whether you agree or disagree.  It is silence that holds back our rights and allows this hatred.   

I want to remind you of the poem "First they came" by Martin Niemoller

They came first for the Communists,

and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,

and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,

and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Catholics,

and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me,

and by that time no one was left to speak up.

Well, as a non-transperson I was shocked by the comments made on that thread.  And by people who are touted here as "so nice" and members of the month.

Thans to Mel and Eloise for their great generosity of posting there.

Now that I'm awake I got back to the thread and it had turned as toxic as I was afraid it would. 

Why do people not understand that comparing someone to Hitler is hateful?  I mean seriously, what are they brain-dead?  Sheesh.

I've just stayed out of it.  You can't reason with ignorance.

I agree with you, Mel, it's important to stand up....but in that particular thread, things got ridiculous fast. 

Much love to you, and I promise I will next time. 

I really enjoyed your posts.

Is this enough random thoughts pertaining to the same subjects for one post?  I think it is.

However things got better once people started to stand up and be counted.  We are now down to only 2 or 3 crazy people instead of say 15.

There will always be a next time to delay until.  That is why it is important to speak up now.