In which we are reminded what happens when we assume...

I am always humbled by what I do not know, and what I assume to know. I've talked about assumptions before, but I think this has to be an ongoing conversation. 

I assume based on what I know. Nothing new here, we all do it. As already stated, those assumptions are part of normal thinking and are really just avenues for growth. Problems arise when we get stuck in our assumptions as if they are truths and are unwilling to change our minds. Enough said. You guys already get it.

Why am I bringing this up again? I'm glad you asked! This week, as I was listening to someone who is dear to me describe their feelings of gender dysphoria, I asked some questions (after making sure it was truely ok to ask). 

Here's where I tripped over my assumptions. 

I assumed that if a person felt gender dysphoria, that they would want to deal with this feeling by moving all the way in the other direction. A male would want to be female, a female would want to be male. Goodness, how was I stuck in this way of thinking? Every day I create pins and buttons and keychains for folks who identify as non-binary or genderfluid or bigender and more! I know and believe that gender identity and sexual orientation is not an either/or situation, yet here I was thinking exactly that about gender dysphoria. 

I picked myself up from my tumble, apologized, and offered my thanks. I will keep practicing, and sharing my stumbles with you to keep me accountable. I hope that something in what I write here is encouraging and helpful.

Lots of love, and thanks as always for being part of this community,

Ellin

(she/her)

Found this article on a stroll through the interwebs and thought it had some great info and advice. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/Pages/Gender-Diverse-Transgender-Children.aspx