When I was a new nurse I was taught that when patient’s are having hallucinations that we should never indulge or confirm what they believe they think they’re seeing. In other words, do not affirm their delusions. We are taught to support the patient’s needs, provide a safe environment, but attempt to reorient the patient.
What a fantastic essay, thank you for this. Did not know all that about the richness of our genes!
Yes, it blows me away that some men actually think they can be women and insist upon women agreeing with that. My female biology is so fundamental to my being, I can only laugh when trans persons and their allies allege that these superficial and/or worst-sterotypical 'adjustments' are all that comprise 'womanhood.'
These men have never known, will never know, what it is like to have to surrender to your cycle once a month. (And the play-acting with aspirin and ketchup is a disturbing joke--talk about a mental illness!) Nor will they ever know the anxiety a woman may feel when that cycle is irregular or out of whack for no discernible reason (or even, as witness the jabs and shedding--for a discernible reason). These men will never have the ability to feel a life within, to nurture and bring forth that life, nor will they ever know the heavy responsibility of those 9 months.
They will never know the ticking of the 'biological clock'.
They will never wonder if they are too 'stretched out' after giving birth.
They will never have years and years of media-induced worry about breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, hpv, etc. (the medical-industrial complex still preys more on women in this way...because they know, and I say it again, our connection with our biology is no small thing, is one of the very core aspects of being a woman, and so deeply important to our sense of self! (And I say this as a childless woman, who nonetheless knows my biology is fully intertwined with the way I move through the world.)).
They will never wonder things like: should I wear an underwire bra or do those really contribute to breast cancer? Should I get a mammogram or do those contribute to breast cancer? Should I use the organic cotton tampons that are $4 more expensive than the chlorine-bleached?
They will never have a dilemma like 'gee, I want to be on the pill, but I gain 20 lbs every time I go on it, and plus I smoke.' They will never know fear when the condom breaks. They will never go into shock when an IUD is inserted.
If so many of what I just listed are not 100% rah-rah 'it's amazing!!!!!' attributes, well, there it is: being a woman is complex, and learning to honor, and work with, that biology is just that--a learning curve. It doesn't come easy or unawkwardly for everyone; we need friends and elders and you can bet THAT isn't what any man changing his pronouns is signing up for, so NO, I WILL NOT CALL YOU A WOMAN.
I take the cartoonish, mutilating, manipulative delusion of simplicity as a total insult.
Being a woman is just a wee bit more that high heels and silicone boobs and 'honoring your truth', sorry.
I am a retired RN who agrees with every word you have written in this article. Your thoughts are right on the money. Thank-you for sharing!
This article needs to be shared far & wide!! Science mixed with common sense!
Agree also as a registered nurse of over 30 years!! I’ve shared this with all my teen children & nieces and nephews.. Share the light!!
What a fantastic essay, thank you for this. Did not know all that about the richness of our genes!
Yes, it blows me away that some men actually think they can be women and insist upon women agreeing with that. My female biology is so fundamental to my being, I can only laugh when trans persons and their allies allege that these superficial and/or worst-sterotypical 'adjustments' are all that comprise 'womanhood.'
These men have never known, will never know, what it is like to have to surrender to your cycle once a month. (And the play-acting with aspirin and ketchup is a disturbing joke--talk about a mental illness!) Nor will they ever know the anxiety a woman may feel when that cycle is irregular or out of whack for no discernible reason (or even, as witness the jabs and shedding--for a discernible reason). These men will never have the ability to feel a life within, to nurture and bring forth that life, nor will they ever know the heavy responsibility of those 9 months.
They will never know the ticking of the 'biological clock'.
They will never wonder if they are too 'stretched out' after giving birth.
They will never have years and years of media-induced worry about breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, hpv, etc. (the medical-industrial complex still preys more on women in this way...because they know, and I say it again, our connection with our biology is no small thing, is one of the very core aspects of being a woman, and so deeply important to our sense of self! (And I say this as a childless woman, who nonetheless knows my biology is fully intertwined with the way I move through the world.)).
They will never wonder things like: should I wear an underwire bra or do those really contribute to breast cancer? Should I get a mammogram or do those contribute to breast cancer? Should I use the organic cotton tampons that are $4 more expensive than the chlorine-bleached?
They will never have a dilemma like 'gee, I want to be on the pill, but I gain 20 lbs every time I go on it, and plus I smoke.' They will never know fear when the condom breaks. They will never go into shock when an IUD is inserted.
If so many of what I just listed are not 100% rah-rah 'it's amazing!!!!!' attributes, well, there it is: being a woman is complex, and learning to honor, and work with, that biology is just that--a learning curve. It doesn't come easy or unawkwardly for everyone; we need friends and elders and you can bet THAT isn't what any man changing his pronouns is signing up for, so NO, I WILL NOT CALL YOU A WOMAN.
I take the cartoonish, mutilating, manipulative delusion of simplicity as a total insult.
Being a woman is just a wee bit more that high heels and silicone boobs and 'honoring your truth', sorry.
Very good article, Jean. I learned something new today. I had never heard of WNT4.
I really like the X format for your poem. Women are under such attack and we need to stand strong and stand up...and not to pee...LOL