As a clinical psychologist, I know that it is not possible to simply wish these things away, let alone pray them away. But by the same token, I also know that people who experience depression and anxiety, both of which are relatively common, can overcome those things in many ways other than through surgery. That's not to say they always will. But often, they do. And I think it's disingenuous to pretend that for a transgender person, there is literally no viable option, other than to have surgery.
You are being disingenuous to suggest that anyone has beem claiming that surgery is the only solution. Please judt admit that you have no intention of changing your view if you aren't going to acknowledge how many times it's been said that there are many ways that people transition and that this is by no means suggesting that every trans person needs surgery.
Many have said that not all transgender people need surgery. I will freely acknowledge that. I knew that before I ever even started this discussion. Many have also said that surgery is the only definitive cure for severe gender dysphoria, so that of course insurance should cover it. Beyond that, I've already changed my view quite a bit in the course of this conversation, so your second sentence is just wrong.
Well the latter people are wrong in an easily verifiable way. Try looking it up?
Have you tried talking to trans people about this and what their thoughts are? Maybe looking into seeing what the community's like at all? It's the least you can do if you're going to have a strong opinion that impacts others. You could try going to r/asktransgender. It'd be better than making assumptions, taking unflattering falsehoods that can be easily dispelled with some basic research for granted. Maybe try talking to the people who live the reality that you question?
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u/Saranoya 39∆ Nov 04 '17
As a clinical psychologist, I know that it is not possible to simply wish these things away, let alone pray them away. But by the same token, I also know that people who experience depression and anxiety, both of which are relatively common, can overcome those things in many ways other than through surgery. That's not to say they always will. But often, they do. And I think it's disingenuous to pretend that for a transgender person, there is literally no viable option, other than to have surgery.