An Argument Against Trans-Mutilation of Children & Off-Narrative Thoughts

Monday, January 29th, 2024

I’ve been sitting on this essay for well over a year. Frankly, I’ve been waiting for the right time, and that time is now — thanks to the many people around the world who are standing up and saying, “Houston, we have a problem!”

Which reminds me — I am beyond grateful to all the brave souls speaking up and risking cancel culture in an environment that has been intentionally hyped up into a radicalized, overly assertive, often aggressive and hyperbolic state. Thank you!

The first and primary lesson I’ve learned over the past decade, specifically from the “Trans Narrative” is this: “When we are being told what to think about, worry about, argue about and obsess about — we’re being managed.” Even worse, those “issues” offered up to us on a silver platter are usually disingenuous and/or meant to distract from far more important conversations that need to be had. For example: bathrooms.

Don’t misunderstand. Single gender and protective female only spaces are very important issues. But, it’s not the only important issue. That said, it’s probably the first one that jumps to mind, right?

Here’s the problem: “If everyone in the world is talking about bathrooms, well then, “what aren’t we talking about?”

Today, I am sharing the first in a series of “off-narrative” ideas that are exceptionally relevent to this issue.

And — before anyone jumps to any assumptions — it should be made clear that I am 100% supportive of every person pursuing their best and most authentic life. When I grew up, easily half of my mother’s friends were gay or lesbian. I know several individuals who are engaged with or entering the trans community / choosing a trans identity. And, they have my complete support. To a large degree, it is my concern for individuals who are being caught up in this increasingly volatile area of societal dispute that drives my interest in this topic.

Osh-Tisch, a Crow two-spirit person with long dark hair. She sits with a Crow woman.

Two-Spirit People

The internet is filled with information about the concept of “Two-Spirit People” existing historically in some/many North American Tribes. I imagine this is accurate, and The Indigenous Foundation has a decent enough explanation. I personally think it’s cool that some/many Native American Tribes welcomed, valued and honored people with dual-gender identities. But, their approach differed substantially from what we’ve seen in recent years. Consider this quote from The Indigenous Foundation: “Two-Spirit folks were seen as gifted and honoured in their community because they carried two spirits with them, both male and female.”

Two things stand out to me about that description. “Two-Spirit” people were seen as possessing two spirits. And, the two spirits that were recognized by Native Americans were the same two spirits seen throughout the natural world: male and female. In other words, a “Two-Spirit” person is “more than” they were born to be. It was an “additive” concept, expanding one’s life to include more — not limiting it.

Compare this to the modern “trans narrative,” as presented in the Modern Day West. We hear a lot about people being born into the wrong body. Young people, in particular, are presented with this idea, and as it sinks in, they begin to believe they have to make a permanent “either/or” choice.

This couldn’t be further from the truth!

Consider Osh-Tisch, pictured above, who is described by the Crow Nation in the following way: “Osh-Tisch was a leading baté of the Crow nation and held an esteemed position in her society. In the Crow nation, it was not only acceptable for one to be baté, but they were often regarded highly as being the bridge between the two genders. Being baté, Osh-Tisch was allowed to take on traditionally female and traditionally male roles and excelled at both. She was esteemed not only for her amazing sewing skills, which earned her the right to make the Crow Chief Iron Bull’s a buffalo skin lodge, but she was also known for her ferocity in battle. Her strength as a warrior is what earned her the name Osh-Tisch, which translates to “finds them and kills them.” Not only incredibly threatening and impressive, but it also refers to the time she helped another soldier by shooting a wounded enemy in the Battle of Rosebud.”

If you want to use Native American traditions to argue in support of trans individuals, please do so by highlighting the “additive” nature of those cultures. “Two-Spirit” people were honored because they were “more than” the gender they were born to be. Not because they turned their back on the gender gifts given to them by the creator.

Imagine if we said to gender-questioning kids today, “Hey, that’s cool. Maybe you’re more than just a boy or a girl. Maybe you have two spirits? Maybe you have a close affinity for what it means to be both male and female? Won’t you be a great husband or wife, in the future, thanks to your expanded viewpoint and greater understanding? Won’t you have a great life, as you explore all that it means to be human? You’re going to be more than just a boy or a girl, a man or a woman. You’re going to connect with, explore, develop and cultivate both sides of the gender coin, and by doing so, you’ll expand our understanding of what it means to be a man or a woman by showing that women can feel and act like men and visa versa. You are diversity embodied, and we honor you for that special gift. Thank you!”

Please share your thoughts in the comments below.