I got into an argument with someone because they were being mean about the Bill Nye gender episode and tried to say that there are only two genders what should I do
In my experience, someone who makes that argument is either ignorant (meaning they aren’t aware of current research as it evolves) or they’re just a bigot who doesn’t want to let a person be who they are. I don’t understand why another person’s gender identity is in any way threatening to anyone else, and I can’t help but feel like someone who freaks out when they encounter a transperson is just insecure about themselves.
I don’t think gender is a big deal, which is very easy for me to say because I’m a cis white hetro male, and I get the luxury of not having people threaten or attempt to minimize my basic existence. Because it’s not something I have to think about, I don’t have a good answer for you. I hope that someone who is not a cis white hetero male can answer you, because I would also like to know how I can be the best ally I can be.
Until then, though: I think it’s important to treat people with kindness and compassion, until they give you a reason not to. A person’s gender is, as far as I am concerned, not my business to judge or even care about.
Is this helpful at all? I feel like maybe it isn’t helpful.
The confusion is over this meme which is an outright fabrication:
@wilwheaton It became popular after being circulated on alt-ri– i mean Neo Nazi circles. I went and checked out the Bill Nye the Science Guy episode on genes where the left image is from, which you may find on Vimeo. Gender is not discussed once within the entire episode.
I know that the Deplorables lied about what Bill did on the show, and the Stupidsphere picked up the lie and ran with it like they always do.
The question I’m hoping someone who is more qualified than me will answer is: what’s the best way to be the best ally I can be? How can I use my privilege to help make life easier for my trans brothers and sisters?
