Hello my dear, dear @churchboy :)) I trust you have had a good week, because, my Gosh ... you were inspired when you wrote this comment! Your rationale of this subject in simply magnificent, and your conclusion just says it all. Well, at least for me, and we seem to share the same view about Camille's situation.
This is a controversial topic indeed. Also, as I have been saying, it is new territory to me (transgender kids). However, while I feel that we have come a long way, as a society, in accepting and dealing with situations like those of Camille's, there is still some sort of taboo surround this subject. I believe that challenging ourselves to think about it and familiarizing with this topic is a good start. You say you are not an expert, you say you are biased; yet that did not come across in your discussion.
I love learning about your culture. As much as I was fascinated by the mythological tales that are passed down from generations to generations, I was surprised to see people can be imprisoned as a consequence of the gender psychological identity!
I suppose in the end it doesn't matter which factor weighs heavier in determining Camille's sex/gender; as long as she can enjoy a lifetime of mental stability and subjective well-being, at least most of the time. And not like you said, surviving rather than really living.
Once again, thank you for this wonderful, wonderful insight! :) Oh by the way, the way you started your comment made me smile, and the way you finished it made ma laugh out loud!! HAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH
Lots of love to you and all your loved ones!
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Thank you, Abby, as usual for taking the time to reply. I remember, as a teenager, I had a feminine appearance and liked feminine preferences in colour. Purple was and still is, my favourite colour. The girl I was pining over had no interests in me (her loss). But I didn't know it at the time and I decided it was a bright idea to just be alone. Not so bright. This decision made me attractive to gay guys, perhaps, due to my physical appearance. At first I didn't understand why these guys were so nice to me. I chucked it up to my being not very sociable. With time I realised they were hitting on me, at which time I walked away, with speed.
One guy said, "If girls are not working out, why don't you try guys."
Perhaps, with more persuasion and support from the society, I would have tried out guys. On the other hand if I really felt like a girl and the society forbade it, then I would be stuck in pretending to be what I'm not. Balancing these issues is a surprisingly tricky business. In the end, as we agreed, what matters is the individual's success or failure at living a mentally stable life.
Im glad that I have made you smile. Lots of love to you..