[BrianR]

<throws a pillow at Brianna>

I am a friend of Maggie's. We've met IRL several times and speak on the phone once or twice a year.

I would say that I know her about as well as anyone here.

I would not say that she is angry. Opinionated? Certainly, as are we all. Some more so than others. Trans? Yep. Lesbian? nope. She identifies as bisexual.

That pic was definitely NOT Maggie. It's just not her style.

That part said, please be very careful when treading on transgendered ground. If you haven't walked a mile in her shoes, kindly refrain from thinking you "get" it. Being transgendered is a very difficult condition to have. It's absolutely NOT about sex, it's about physical congruity.

Actually, Maggie is a very nice person IRL. She has had more hardship than many in her time and that can leave scars that never quite heal. And it doesn't stop...ever. Consider cutting her some slack.

Yes, she visits from time to time but rarely posts anymore. Usually, it's because she hasn't really had time for such things. Her life is full enough.

And as an addendum, please don't suggest that Maggie is anything but female. That's a sure way to rouse her ire. She has gone through Hell and back to get where she is now. She has made sacrifices that no one should be called upon to make and gone through a lot of physical and emotional pain. I am happy for her that she has found an accepting partner with whom to share her life. She is one of the lucky ones. Most transpeople lead very lonely lives, punctuated by chronic unemployment and ostracism. They have to become very strong to deal with that and if they sometimes seem bitter, it's because even after all they have endured to get that coveted M or F on their ID, people STILL bring up their painful past.

Shame on you Brianna, I know you know better than that.