I want to have a conversation that could get tricky.

The standard view in the trans community seems to be that identity trumps literally everything, and I don't agree with this view at the moment because I don't see evidence for it's validity.

Can you convince me otherwise?

-Am I wrong about this being standard view? Is it just a caricature from having been GC?

-What are the limits here? Is there any evidence that can be used to properly judge whether someone is being honest or not? If so, what is it? If not, why is GD different?

My main sticking point is that I don't buy that this is something we're actually able to apply to reality. I don't buy that people who see my facial hair and adam's apple read that as a female characteristic because of how I subjectively identify. Am I wrong? Why?

I've heard a lot from the GC about what trans people think, but I want a real conversation with actual trans people. I want to understand why you think what you do and how you reached that point.

Because talking to most trans people I don't get the sense that we're delusional or ignoring reality or material. It feels like a language problem.

So maybe that's important, and maybe if you can take me to where you are I'll be able to help translate it back to others.

Also this in intended in good faith. It's not a gotcha, and I'm not looking to argue. I just want to learn from as many people as possible and I mention my current views only for the sake of explaining where I'm at. I'm open to changing my mind.

At the very least, I'm hoping some of you have been where I am and can walk me through how your mind changed and why?

I know this is sensitive for a lot of us, and especially because of where I've been. I realize I'm asking for trust.