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PaperclipPerfector  4mo ago (text post)   3998 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for June 23, 2024

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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Are introductions a thing here? Should I just start poasting? I've lurked for some time, but decided to start commenting. There have been some posts recently (and in this thread) about a slow decline in the users here, and I feel compelled to state "it's not all bad" for the record.

I have a younger sister who is, I suspect, considering a conversion to the religion of trans, and I'm wondering if anyone else here has some experience with a family member doing so, and if you have any thoughts on such. I'm usually pretty reserved, and to be honest, I'm pretty chill with people who disagree with me about a great variety of things. My current plan is to try to avoid any major disagreements of faith and the associated language, but I'm pretty uncomfortable with lying directly if asked.

I have a cousin who is pretty far down a FtM transition and I regularly feel uneasy over not having made at least a token effort to... I dunno, present alternative solutions to their unhappiness? This is of course predicated on my bias towards assuming a high probability that transitioning will be regretted at some later point in life. And I really don't know if I could have had that discussion without causing massive family drama.

Best of luck to you and your sister!

Intros? Haven't seen many of 'em, but you're welcome to. Post away by all means!

FWIW, I've tended to think we're probably doing fine just as we are actually and not to sweat too much over periodic variability of CWR comment count. I think it's probably a good thing that even our more real-world famous posters don't advertise the site much, as it would probably draw in a lot of low-quality posters who break the rules, make more work for the mods, make the experience worse for current posters, etc. I think people who make good-quality posters are more likely to find us on their own. How did you end up here?

I think Motte-style debating is usually a good template, or good practice, for discussing such topics as trans-ness as a new religion with potential adherents who are otherwise close to you. Avoid sneering and weak-manning, but point out real risks and challenges. Like to what extent is the excessive enthusiasm about the topic encouraging young people to take more radical measures that they're not really ready for, some of which will have life-long consequences.

My current plan is to try to avoid any major disagreements of faith and the associated language, but I'm pretty uncomfortable with lying directly if asked.

I do not have any direct experience with this sort of thing. But based on what you said here, I think it's likely that there will be a time you can't both be agreeable, and avoid saying something that you think is a lie. You don't need to decide now what the answer will be (and in fact I would say you shouldn't), but it does deserve some thought. If it comes down to it, which do you think is more important - getting along with your sister, or the truth? Just something to ponder in the back of your mind.

I don't know that I ever introduced myself, but you are certainly free to, if you wish. It's always good to see new users.

How old is your sister, roughly, if she's transitioning?

Mid 20's, lives on the other side of the country. I'm not sure when she plans to 'come out' to the family (or if, honestly - though it might become obvious depending on how far she goes physically).

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