Stop Freaking Out About Trans People: Why Inclusion Matters Now More Than Ever
It’s time to face it: the conversation around transgender rights and identities has grown louder, more complex, and, for many, more confusing. But before we jump to conclusions or let fear dictate the discussion, we need to ground ourselves in understanding. Transgender people aren’t some new phenomenon—they’ve existed across cultures for centuries, and they’re not going anywhere. Yet, with all the noise, it’s worth asking: what are we *really* afraid of, and what do we actually want?
In my private practice, I’ve worked with many transgender individuals. Yes, some grapple with gender dysphoria, guilt, or shame, but their desires at the core are no different from anyone else’s: to be seen, heard, and loved. Often, how they seek to be accepted challenges conventional thinking, but that doesn’t mean their existence disrupts societal norms in any harmful way. As a Filipino American, I’ve witnessed firsthand how differentiation can help integration. In Filipino culture, *bakla* individuals (often regarded as a third gender) are widely accepted, showing that even conservative societies can adapt and thrive with inclusion. Differentiation, whether in identity or societal roles, is not division. It’s like the body—just as Structural Integration teaches us that tissues need to differentiate to function optimally together, people, too, must be given space to grow in their own lanes.
Acknowledging the Uncomfortable Counterpoints
Despite this, we can’t ignore some of the more difficult, even controversial, practices that have emerged within the transgender conversation. For example, the idea of implanting uteruses in male-born bodies so they can carry children raises ethical concerns for many. This feels unnatural to some and elicits fear about what’s “normal” or “acceptable.” Similarly, sexual preferences that are deeply rooted in biology—where men are attracted to women and vice versa—can create a dissonance when identity doesn’t match biological sex. These moments of disconnection can make people uncomfortable, and it’s important to acknowledge that this discomfort doesn’t come from hatred but from deeply ingrained beliefs and fears about mental health and societal stability.
There’s also the concern about whether certain individuals, regardless of identity, might exploit this evolving landscape of gender and sexuality for unethical purposes. Let’s be clear: the desire to explore or expand the bounds of gender identity should never be used as a smokescreen for harmful behavior, like pedophilia or other illegal actions. This is not a slippery slope where one identity justifies anything. The vast majority of transgender people are just trying to live their lives, without causing harm to others.
However, there’s a moral line that many transgender individuals themselves are conscious of. Not all transgender people are pushing for societal disruption—many simply want to exist peacefully, with the same rights and respect as anyone else. This community, like any other, contains individuals with a strong moral compass who don’t want to impose their values on others. They aren’t asking for sexual preferences to be erased or for anyone to accept illegal or harmful behavior under the guise of progress.
Transgender People Are Here to Stay
It’s essential to recognize that transgender people are not a passing trend—they are here to stay, and their presence challenges us to rethink our understanding of gender, identity, and humanity. But instead of freaking out, we should be focusing on what really matters: how can we build a safe, just, and beautiful world, even if that means different things for different people?
Cultures like the Filipino *bakla* and the Zapotec *muxes* in Mexico have already shown that societies can coexist with gender diversity without unraveling. These communities have long embraced people who don’t fit neatly into binary gender categories. The conservative structures in these countries didn’t collapse—instead, they adapted, finding ways to include everyone. We can learn from these examples. Differentiation, not division, allows us to make space for everyone without sacrificing fairness or safety.
In sports, for example, concerns about fairness when transgender women with XY chromosomes compete against biological women are legitimate. But instead of shutting down the conversation, let’s explore solutions like creating separate categories. We can create spaces that honor fairness while recognizing the uniqueness of each individual’s experience. Differentiation allows us to build environments where people can thrive without stepping on one another.
The Fear of Trans-Humanism and the Future
As we discuss the future of transgender rights, we must also face an even more complex reality: the rise of Trans-Humanism. Soon, the blending of human biology with technology will blur the lines between what we now consider male, female, non-binary, human, and even non-human. This future could make today’s conversations about gender identity seem quaint. Upgraded humans, enhanced by technology, may eventually push us all to feel like the “other.” Before we reach that point, we must learn to integrate differences—whether related to gender or beyond—so that no one is left behind in the rapid evolution that’s coming.
Self-Reflection and Building a More Resilient World
To move forward, we must ask ourselves some difficult but necessary questions:
How can I overcome my fears and biases to create space for others, even when I don’t fully understand their experience?
What can I do to support solutions—like differentiation in sports or public spaces—that respect both fairness and inclusion?
How can I help build a society where gender identity is not conflated with harmful behaviors, and where everyone feels safe, valued, and seen?
As we approach a future shaped by Trans-Humanism, how can I prepare to embrace a broader, more inclusive understanding of humanity?
Ultimately, the conversation around transgender rights isn’t about erasing differences or forcing people into uncomfortable situations. It’s about acknowledging that the world is changing—and that we can find ways to navigate those changes with compassion, fairness, and wisdom.
Transgender people aren’t a threat to societal norms. They’re a reminder that humanity is constantly evolving. We can create a world that is resilient, loving, and just, even if that looks different for each of us. The question is: can we rise to the challenge and make space for a future that includes us all?
