On Gender Identity
A friend recently came out as a transgender woman. I'm happy for her and feel confident that she is doing what she feels is right for her. It's given me an opportunity to reflect on my own thoughts and understanding of gender identity. My views have changed significantly over time on this issue, and I imagine I will continue to refine my understanding further as I strive to better listen and learn from the stories of people who experience life differently than I do. I now consider myself to be an LGBTQIA+ ally, but I've quickly realized that I am still fairly ignorant on the topic of gender identity. I have listened to some stories from transgender individuals, but I have not personally experienced what it feels like to be transgender or even what it feels like to have a strong sense of gender identity. I remember as a teenager going to a church dance and as I walked in, the group was line-dancing to Shania Twain's "I Feel Like a Woman." I scoffed at the son...