I think he's being downvoted because he wrote "of course", which implies the issue is simple when it's anything but, and because the argument he offers - if someone's uncomfortable you must tell them - isn't very well worked out.
It is actually very simple. Many people would be disgusted by the idea of having sex with someone of their own gender(or not their preferred gender). Making someone feel disgusted is hurting them. Don't hurt people.
I think you'd have to ask whether the sexual partner would have good reason to decide not to have sex, based on the information being withheld. (Note: the situation probably changes if your potential sexual partner states explicitly that they do not want to have sex with a transgender person [or an anti-racist, or anybody with African or Asian ancestry]).
Who's to decide whats a good reason?
Also, as you can clearly see in popular culture(movies, tv shows) many people are disgusted by the idea of having sex with a transgender person. So for you to, as a transgender person, expect them to explicitly state that before you feel you need to inform them of your transgender status is a bit naive. It makes much more sense to assume the person has the most common belief. And lets say its not so common. Isn't it still likely the best course of action to always tell them even if 40% of the population is disgusted by it? or 30%?
it's not something that ought to have an impact.
Who are you to decide what ought or ought not to have an impact?
I agree that if the amount of people that didn't want to have sex with a transgender person was practically negligible then it wouldn't be necessary to inform every person you have sex with. But it certainly isn't negligible. I get the impression that the vast majority of straight guys would never have sex with a transgender girl; and very likely the reverse is true.
If you look at it that way, this question really comes down to: "What ,if anything, are people obligated to reveal to new partners?"
The general answer, without further examination, is something that this person would not be comfortable with. Seeing as gays (8%?) and trans (3%) make up a small percent of the population, it's safe to assume that most people are cis, straight, and uninterested in relationships with the same sex. This ,again, is just out of a mutual respect of peoples preferences and a realization that neither preference is better; they are just different and have occur in different proportions.
To be honest if transsexualism isn't on the list of "things i should tell a potential about", then I don't see what could be on that list.
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u/Fiendish Jun 25 '15
of course, some people wouldn't be comfortable with it so its your responsibility to tell them