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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

Trans sibling in law

989 replies

Primrose86 · 12/06/2025 18:40

DH's sibling has just come out as a man. She is 26 and autistic, lives at home with mum, spends life on the Internet, got kicked out of school at 16 etc etc She has plans to go overseas and transition in germany where apparently you can get surgeries on the public health system while living with her grandpa. Her mum is fully supportive of this.

How should I react to all this. Should I start referring to him as my brother in law? What usually happens after people come out. I assume they progress to hormones and surgery but honestly based on what I read, Germany is quite resistant to health tourists who never paid in even if they are citizens. Are people really happy identifying as another gender when they wouldn't look like the other gender?

OP posts:
Butchyrestingface · 13/06/2025 22:54

PlanetJanette · 13/06/2025 22:12

I love this tosh about how many trans people on this forum know in real life, as if anyone actually believes it.

I’m a cisgender lesbian who moves in queer circles and I don’t know half as many trans people than some posters on here pretend to.

I know quite a few through work (creative arts sector). Although they're dwarfed by the number of non-binaries.

Don't know any socially.

Lovelyview · 13/06/2025 22:49

PlanetJanette · 13/06/2025 22:12

I love this tosh about how many trans people on this forum know in real life, as if anyone actually believes it.

I’m a cisgender lesbian who moves in queer circles and I don’t know half as many trans people than some posters on here pretend to.

Perhaps knowing the damage transgender ideology does to their loved ones is what brings some people to this board in the first place,

Lovelyview · 13/06/2025 22:47

DramaQueenlady · 13/06/2025 21:50

Actually they are not. Trans people never said a word at the supreme court. JK Rowling lives in a nice part of Edinburgh, strangely enough almost next door to the judge in that case. I can't believe a woman who just happened to write a few books, and got very lucky that they were made into films, can cause such a following.

The main characters from these films have all come out in support of transgender people. Alot of fuss made so that folk can go for a shite!

What does it matter what terms they use. Good luck in the loo when you come face to face with a transman, who's drunk and can't wee straight and your next to use the cubicle they come out of! 😂

The Scottish Government and Amnesty International made representations to the Supreme Court that the Equality Act meant men could identify as women and take women's places on boards. The Supreme Court rejected their argument and accepted the arguments of For Women Scotland and other interveners including three organisations representing lesbian and gay people that sex in the Equality Act has to mean biological sex . It's got sweet fa to do with where JK Rowling lives. Go back to Reddit where some dimwits might fall for your nonsense.

BellissimoGecko · 13/06/2025 22:27

AidaP · 12/06/2025 18:57

If you want genuine help, ask on a place that will actually want to help you maintain a relationship with them, like reddit's asktransgender here people will just help you to completely ruin your relationship in promotion of their hatred.

And the reality is that you have to decide, do you want to keep your hate against trans people, or are you willing to genuinely accept your new brother in law and learn. Trans people can spot performative support from miles away, faking it won't work. But if you genuinely are willing to show effort to accept them as they are, they will help you and guide you through it.

If not, well, enjoy being excluded from their life very quickly.

I will give you a starting point on learning to accept checklis:

> Are people really happy identifying as another gender when they wouldn't look like the other gender?

Being transgender isn't a choice, it's a hand you are dealt and have to deal with, and the best treatment for it is coming out and acceptance, for many that also includes all sort of medical interventions but it's not necessary.

If you will keep thinking that it's a choice, or that they are not aware of the presentation issue, but persevere despite it as otherwise the life is just not worth living... Well, that's the performative support trans people just do not fall for, not for any length of time.

You can also DM me if you want to speak more openly in private.

Edited

Don’t be so bloody silly.

a huge percentage of girls with autism think they identify as male. A huge number then detransition.

it’s a social contagion, nothing more.

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 13/06/2025 22:20

DramaQueenlady · 13/06/2025 19:56

Do what you do. If his family are being fully supportive and your boyfriend is then I think you'll find he's not your boyfriend much longer. Tbh it's nothing to do with you. Trans people are not seeking your approval,they just want to live their life's.

Your reading comprehension could do with work. The opening post of this thread starts DH's sibling. The OP is not talking about her boyfriend's sister and this is not a transient relationship. This is her husband and her sister-in-law. And yes, it is something to do with anybody who is expected to use the wrong pronouns for someone they've known for a while and whose sex is perfectly obvious. It's compelled speech.

RapidOnsetGenderCritic · 13/06/2025 22:14

PlanetJanette · 13/06/2025 22:12

I love this tosh about how many trans people on this forum know in real life, as if anyone actually believes it.

I’m a cisgender lesbian who moves in queer circles and I don’t know half as many trans people than some posters on here pretend to.

I don't much appreciate you implying that I am lying about knowing trans people. One of them is my own son, and I happen to have known him since before he can remember.

nutmeg7 · 13/06/2025 22:12

DramaQueenlady · 13/06/2025 22:03

If only that were true.

It’s all true. You can’t just dismiss facts because you don’t like them, you are coming across as an ignorant conspiracy theorist.

PlanetJanette · 13/06/2025 22:12

RapidOnsetGenderCritic · 13/06/2025 22:04

They're not? You could have fooled me. The ones I know seem very upset if I don't affirm them by using their language.

I love this tosh about how many trans people on this forum know in real life, as if anyone actually believes it.

I’m a cisgender lesbian who moves in queer circles and I don’t know half as many trans people than some posters on here pretend to.

RapidOnsetGenderCritic · 13/06/2025 22:11

DramaQueenlady · 13/06/2025 21:50

Actually they are not. Trans people never said a word at the supreme court. JK Rowling lives in a nice part of Edinburgh, strangely enough almost next door to the judge in that case. I can't believe a woman who just happened to write a few books, and got very lucky that they were made into films, can cause such a following.

The main characters from these films have all come out in support of transgender people. Alot of fuss made so that folk can go for a shite!

What does it matter what terms they use. Good luck in the loo when you come face to face with a transman, who's drunk and can't wee straight and your next to use the cubicle they come out of! 😂

J K Rowling lives in Cramond, which is really not very close to Merchiston where I'm told the judge in question lives.

Zippp · 13/06/2025 22:09

I’m sure there’s some room for nuance here. It’s possible to use your relative’s chosen name and pronouns while maintaining a belief that it is not possible for humans to change biological sex.

Boiledbeetle · 13/06/2025 22:07

DramaQueenlady · 13/06/2025 22:03

If only that were true.

It is true!

Seriously do some research, not just one judge, and JKR has confirmed she doesn't live near them or know them. And the Scottish Government was the voice of trans in the SC case that's the whole bloody point.

RapidOnsetGenderCritic · 13/06/2025 22:04

DramaQueenlady · 13/06/2025 19:56

Do what you do. If his family are being fully supportive and your boyfriend is then I think you'll find he's not your boyfriend much longer. Tbh it's nothing to do with you. Trans people are not seeking your approval,they just want to live their life's.

They're not? You could have fooled me. The ones I know seem very upset if I don't affirm them by using their language.

DramaQueenlady · 13/06/2025 22:03

murasaki · 13/06/2025 21:53

Absolute tosh. JKR does not live near that judge, and has never met him. Also there were 5 judges. This wasn't a solo decision.

Transpeople had the entire Scottish Government speaking for them.

If only that were true.

murasaki · 13/06/2025 21:53

DramaQueenlady · 13/06/2025 21:50

Actually they are not. Trans people never said a word at the supreme court. JK Rowling lives in a nice part of Edinburgh, strangely enough almost next door to the judge in that case. I can't believe a woman who just happened to write a few books, and got very lucky that they were made into films, can cause such a following.

The main characters from these films have all come out in support of transgender people. Alot of fuss made so that folk can go for a shite!

What does it matter what terms they use. Good luck in the loo when you come face to face with a transman, who's drunk and can't wee straight and your next to use the cubicle they come out of! 😂

Absolute tosh. JKR does not live near that judge, and has never met him. Also there were 5 judges. This wasn't a solo decision.

Transpeople had the entire Scottish Government speaking for them.

PlanetJanette · 13/06/2025 21:53

OP - there is some really crap advice on here from people telling you you can just not use pronouns.

Frankly, you're free to treat your brother in law however you wish. There are obviously plenty on here who will happily burn down relationships due to their devotion to a transphobic viewpoint. They're free to do so.

But please don't be under any illusions that you can just pretend to not engage by not using pronouns. You can obviously decide not to engage in discussion about your BIL's transition - the impact of that is likely to depend on how open he is, how open your relationship is normally etc. If you're normally quite close and discuss the major things happening in your life, and he is happy to or keen to discuss this major thing happening in your life, your reticence will be obvious. Again, you might not mind, but don't go into this thinking you can suddenly just disengage from the major life events of someone close to you without if affecting the relationship. (Obviously this is different if you have a more distant pre-existing relationship anyway).

But regardless of that, no one can avoid using pronouns for someone completely.

Imagine your DH comes home after work and you need to say 'Oh I bumped into John at the train station today. John told me that John is dating a new man. John went out with this guy last week and John seemed totally smitten. I really hope it works out for John.'

If anyone thinks for a second that speaking like that doesn't immediately give away your rejection of John's identity as a man, they're an idiot. Again, you or anyone else is free to reject that identity - just don't be surprised if they are not willing to have a close (or any) relationship with someone who does so. And don't fool yourself that if you contort your syntax and grammar sufficiently your true feelings will silently slip under the radar. They won't.

DramaQueenlady · 13/06/2025 21:50

murasaki · 13/06/2025 20:11

If that were true it would be one thing. But in fact they are insisting everyone believe a falsehood and use incorrect language.

Actually they are not. Trans people never said a word at the supreme court. JK Rowling lives in a nice part of Edinburgh, strangely enough almost next door to the judge in that case. I can't believe a woman who just happened to write a few books, and got very lucky that they were made into films, can cause such a following.

The main characters from these films have all come out in support of transgender people. Alot of fuss made so that folk can go for a shite!

What does it matter what terms they use. Good luck in the loo when you come face to face with a transman, who's drunk and can't wee straight and your next to use the cubicle they come out of! 😂

JanesLittleGirl · 13/06/2025 21:45

I can't offer any advice but I am concerned that you have more concern for your SiL than does any of her natal family. This seems very sad.

MrTumbleweed · 13/06/2025 20:29

AidaP · 12/06/2025 18:57

If you want genuine help, ask on a place that will actually want to help you maintain a relationship with them, like reddit's asktransgender here people will just help you to completely ruin your relationship in promotion of their hatred.

And the reality is that you have to decide, do you want to keep your hate against trans people, or are you willing to genuinely accept your new brother in law and learn. Trans people can spot performative support from miles away, faking it won't work. But if you genuinely are willing to show effort to accept them as they are, they will help you and guide you through it.

If not, well, enjoy being excluded from their life very quickly.

I will give you a starting point on learning to accept checklis:

> Are people really happy identifying as another gender when they wouldn't look like the other gender?

Being transgender isn't a choice, it's a hand you are dealt and have to deal with, and the best treatment for it is coming out and acceptance, for many that also includes all sort of medical interventions but it's not necessary.

If you will keep thinking that it's a choice, or that they are not aware of the presentation issue, but persevere despite it as otherwise the life is just not worth living... Well, that's the performative support trans people just do not fall for, not for any length of time.

You can also DM me if you want to speak more openly in private.

Edited

Interesting take, this board is full of mothers desperately trying to keep relationships with their children intact after their child is being strongly encouraged to break off contact regardless. It seems as though you haven’t seen any of that?

The other angle on here is women desperately worried about other women and children’s sex based rights and access to single sex services like rape centres, prisons and DV shelters, maybe you missed that too?

You might also have seen parents panicked about their autistic children and family members making permanent decisions about their bodies and future fertility without access to neutral counselling services, perhaps you also missed that.

Or maybe you’re just misinterpreting all of it in order to demonise women, those you seem to be able to identify correctly.

murasaki · 13/06/2025 20:11

DramaQueenlady · 13/06/2025 19:56

Do what you do. If his family are being fully supportive and your boyfriend is then I think you'll find he's not your boyfriend much longer. Tbh it's nothing to do with you. Trans people are not seeking your approval,they just want to live their life's.

If that were true it would be one thing. But in fact they are insisting everyone believe a falsehood and use incorrect language.

nutmeg7 · 13/06/2025 20:10

DramaQueenlady · 13/06/2025 19:56

Do what you do. If his family are being fully supportive and your boyfriend is then I think you'll find he's not your boyfriend much longer. Tbh it's nothing to do with you. Trans people are not seeking your approval,they just want to live their life's.

Drama queen indeed.

Lives.

DramaQueenlady · 13/06/2025 19:56

Do what you do. If his family are being fully supportive and your boyfriend is then I think you'll find he's not your boyfriend much longer. Tbh it's nothing to do with you. Trans people are not seeking your approval,they just want to live their life's.

Primrose86 · 13/06/2025 17:17

Tbh after reading rhianan rudd's story, I see the trans thing and far right extremism in teens as two sides of the same coin. Young impressionable often autistic children being groomed online. Rhianan Rudd's facial expressions are identical to my siblings in law.

Those who lean left become trans, those who lean right become far right. My MIL is a communist (not a slur just a statement of fact) so it's natural her daughter would become trans. Worryingly though she is parroting some views about Muslims that the far right is propagating as well. I think she is just drawn to identity politics in general as she wants to feel included.

Could the trans thing be a phase and she may move onto become a far right online armchair warrior esp since the discourse around Muslims is likely to become more heated due to the grooming gangs. Even though the trans thing has apparently been going on in secret for years. Or can she have both views concurrently?!

But that's perhaps the key to understand it. It's not so different from young boys and the manosphere/far right extremism.

OP posts:
ArabellaScott · 13/06/2025 16:20

'an 18 year old German girl last year who identifies as non-binary, who had both breast removed including nipples by her own gynecologist mother."

Jesus fucking christ almighty.

LadyBracknellsHandbagg · 13/06/2025 14:28

DefineHappy · 13/06/2025 13:07

Thank you @LadyBracknellsHandbagg .
This is an excellent post, and I shall (if it is ok), refer and quote it often.

Thank you, and please be my guest 😊

DefineHappy · 13/06/2025 13:07

LadyBracknellsHandbagg · 12/06/2025 21:02

Feminism doesn’t include tall men, short men, bald men, beardy men, old men, young men, or men that pretend they’re women.

If you’ve merely come here to scold us then I wouldn’t bother, we’ve heard it all, the abuse, the insults, the patronising language, the eye rolling and the rage, and we are simply unmoved by it. I have no idea what you and the other posters get out of coming here to tell us we’re bad people, but we’re honestly bored by it. People can’t change sex, it is immutable, and no amount of surgery or hormone treatments will change that. You can’t bully us anymore, we’re allowed to say the quiet part out loud.

You could at least take a shot at something original, rather than the tired old tropes.

Thank you @LadyBracknellsHandbagg .
This is an excellent post, and I shall (if it is ok), refer and quote it often.