Help! Where do I start explaining the trans issue to male friend?

You could try not forcing your opinions on other people.

I would like not being made to lie. Other people's opinions are being forced on me.

Actually since it is a democracy, in essence it is exactly about that. I think anyone is capable of having their own view, even if I do not like it. I don’t have to be friends with that person. My judgment. Easy.

The OP is trying to talk to her friend who sounds like he is empathetic and willing to listen. That’s good! People mostly do better with stuff that is complex if you give them time and they think it’s their idea. That is why if you get demanding or put pressure to consider immediately then they shrink away from even thinking.

Sure, discuss it, but consider the person. You want them to understand your concern, try thinking as they do or what bothers them.

I don’t think it’s as simple as “ people having their own views”. Most people I know are simply unaware of the current madness and mutter, each to their own, without teak using the actual impact

@ChakaDakotaRegina - well I challenge people at work. Then make a decision.

I tend to enquire about those issues you mention with friends. If we really can’t be friends after some debate, it ends. You may be more vigorous. With a good empathetic person, you can normally clarify or decide where you can’t agree.

Danielle Muscato in her bearded glory? Would he sleep with her?

Poor guy having to listen to this guff.

Danielle Muscato in her bearded glory? Would he sleep with her?

So you wouldn’t challenge a friends opinion that was sexist or racist or ageist? And that somehow makes you a great friend?

Anyway OP - Most people seem to be assuming it’s just toilets, that the person would at least try to pass as the new sex and think it’s a continuation of gay and lesbian rights. Maybe start with those three.

If you think he might be concerned by children being medicalised & encouraged to have surgery in order to 'change sex', these two Swedish documentaries are excellent. No hyperbole, lots of clear information...

How would your male friend feel, personally, about being locked in a room with a person who is larger than himself, heavier than himself, stronger than himself. And the larger, heavier, stronger person also has a documented history of sexual violence towards people like himself.

Hmmm....

I agree with Lex. See how he responds and go from there. If he is empathetic then he should be willing to engage with you even if he doesn't change his mind.

Your friend sounds empathetic. Good. I’d leave it for now. He has something to think about.

The point being made by Bluestocking implicitly is a good one. We have to understand our friends, that they may not share all of our views. They don’t actually have to. But good friends normally listen and there is no actual reason to drill it down immediately, is there?

TheBlueStocking
You could try not forcing your opinions on other people.
That's a bit of do as I say, not what I do statement. Perhaps you meant no debate. I'm quite content to ignore your opinion.

I wasn't aware the OP was planning on holding said friend hostage and giving a PowerPoint presentation. Bad move there, OP - do not recommend.

I don't sit my friends down for a PowerPoint presentation on My Views on Gender Politics, Shortly to Become Your Views on Gender Politics if You Ever Want the Slides to End.

My friends and I do this thing called having our own interests and opinions. It's very relaxing.

BlueStocking - What a bizarre thing to say. Do you not talk to your friends about anything?

"If X was interested in that crazy snowstorm that happened in my town yesterday, they'd look up the weather were I live themselves."

@TheBlueStocking if you’re uninterested why on a thread....??

Sport and Karen White

Well one very effective way is make a bare example. Think - what is that issue that they can relate to?

Your friend probably has never felt vulnerable as an adult. You need to get that person there by looking to empathise. You start with a very vague example, such as describing a situation where your friend is physically intimidated or asking them to recall that. You ask them about that feeling in confined space. This only works with those who are empathetic. But it is really effective if they are.

The TRA actually do this a lot. They insist on broad empathy and promote emotional engagement and then get all their demands in! And then some people attack that. Specific demands based on very specific arguments are far less good.

You will never win this way. Men often have very little idea of the day to day vulnerability of women. If you can get them to think of themselves in that way, by any means, you are halfway there.

If someone is that interested, they'll find out for themselves. No need to bore your friend stupid.

@MadamePewter

It's also a fact that I wasn't the least bit interested in hearing you tell me that.

Or if he'd rather read than watch:

sexandgenderintro.com/

Quite long but a brilliant introduction:

And @TheBlueStocking it’s not an opinion: biological sex is a fact

Oh, yes, and sport. They could play for the women’s team simply by declaring themselves a woman. Beards and penises included