[GoneGirl]

Miss C,

I agree that a world that lacks stigma for gender nonconformity would be a major improvement. I do think it's important however to factor in the internal dysphoria one may have that is completely independent of external influences. One analogy that comes to mind is a person who feels unhappy with him/herself. Now the person might be feeling bad because of societal pressures and expectations, or the person in question may genuinely feel unsatisfied with his/her life. I think the "be happy with yourself" approach is only feasible when people are truly happy with themselves. Otherwise I think people should strive to find ways to improve themselves and their lives to attain some contentment.

I don't subscribe to any set of religious beliefs. I also favor the mentality with an internal instead of an external locus of control. Trying to blame society for all of one's ills I think can be just as problematic as trying to enforce rules that are either destructive or irrelevant.

Phew, it feels like I did a bit of philosophizing there. You're right, I am a thinker.

Yeah, I suffered from GD before I knew there was GD...LOL!

Clara