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On a Transgender Child

A transgender child does not not exist just because a white man says that that is so as two spirited third genders and others (eight in the Talmud! that I didn’t know) exist around the globe as in the hijra of India fa’afafine of Samoa burrnesha of Albania quariwarmi of Peru guevedoche of Dominican Republic muxe of Oaxaca sekrata of Madagascar fakaleiti of Tonga lhamana of Zuni winkte of Lakota bakla of Philippines acault of Burma xanith of Oman and waria of Indonesia just to name a few gender is as binary as is the world is flat asserting so otherwise is simply spewing scat

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Arthur Vaso

Date: 3/14/2025 4:45:00 PM

On the spectrum of human dignity it seems on one side its filled with compassion, empathy, understanding, and intelligence and on the other side simple ignorance.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/15/2025 7:21:00 AM

Hilda Greenhough

Date: 3/13/2025 11:49:00 PM

I had too many words. I'll have to post it as a verse.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/14/2025 6:06:00 AM

Happy to inspire?

Nancy Kaufman

Date: 3/13/2025 5:46:00 PM

Congratulations Maureen on the honor of POTD. It's amazing how so many people seem to lack empathy for those that are born transgender and I suppose feel threatened that they actually exist. We all need to show more compassion toward others in general.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/14/2025 6:05:00 AM

I wholeheartedly agree! Thank you lovely, xomo!

Robert Gorelick

Date: 3/13/2025 3:44:00 PM

Homosexuality was listed as a mental disorder by the APA until 1974. Now they recognize that human sexuality and proclivities have an innate wide and varied range. Left-handed people were once forced to be right-handed to avoid the scorn of the "Left hand of God" Yes, there are two genders- But, like colors, they come in a variety of tones and variations. Good/bad, Right/wrong Black/white- makes things easy but grossly inaccurate. We are nuanced creatures! Congratulations Mo! Robert

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/14/2025 6:05:00 AM

Nuanced indeed. Thank you so much for your bright contribution to our conversation here. Thank you Robert for the congratulations, xomo

Duke Beaufort

Date: 3/13/2025 3:18:00 PM

Hi Maureen, well....I read all the comments after reading your poem. Reasonable people accept the fact that while there are two sexes (xx-female and xy-male chromosome pairs), there are many variations on gender and how people develop. Your poem points out this is nothing new. The human brain doesn't always match with the chromosome make up in the cells for a variety of scientific reasons. A fair society allows accommodation for this phenomenon and leaves it up to the individuals, parents, and their medical advisors. I can understand the reasons you suggest why some people don't get it. Focusing on trans as evil or disgusting is a step in rousing the rabble, cementing power through religious intolerance, or simply misgivings and hatred people feel for something different. I love what you've stated here for us to consider. You've inspired my next poem. Smiles, of course!!!

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/14/2025 6:01:00 AM

It’s a lot of feelings, opinions and dangerous misconceptions for less than one percent of the population. History has taught us, the most vulnerable minorities are the first to go under this type of regime change. Delighted to inspire you, you humble me, and warm my heart, thank you Duke. xomo

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 3/13/2025 7:32:00 PM

I must be speaking in code and your enigma machine is on the fritz. FYI I didn’t say it was evil or disgusting, and has nothing to do with hate or religious intolerance or fascism as the author of this POTD suggests. I’m saying for the umteenth time that no prepubescent or pubescent child is transgender. Have you tried switching it off and on again?

Jan Allison
Date: 3/13/2025 4:25:00 PM

well said Duke I agree 100%

Lin Lane
Date: 3/13/2025 3:26:00 PM

Duke Beaufort; voice of reason. I nominate you for comment of the day for reading all the comments! ;-)

Benjamin Bartley

Date: 3/13/2025 2:52:00 PM

Nicely done. No fingers actually pointed but the obvious is so implied. Thanks for sharing a very worthy POTD!

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/14/2025 5:56:00 AM

Thank you Benjamin, it’s not my best work, but it is my best heart’s worth. xomo

Mike Gentile

Date: 3/13/2025 1:59:00 PM

Just perfect Maureen!! hy is the world the way it is! Your poem is exquisite and so very deserving of POTD honors! Enjoy your day !!

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/14/2025 5:55:00 AM

Thank you Mike. It had to get out from under my skin. <3 xomo

Brian Sambourne

Date: 3/13/2025 11:58:00 AM

Superb poem, Maureen. I taught at a Secondary Level Arts school for 10 years before retirement. I encountered several late adolescent students transitioning from birth gender to the one woven into their essence of self. Acceptance, support, inclusion - all givens within the school system. Wish that those steeped in harsh judgement could accept a non-judgemental view of the gender re-assignment process. So challenging for the crusaders making the change. Be well.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 12:29:00 PM

I wish the same, lovely said. Thank you so much Brian. xomo

I Am Anaya

Date: 3/13/2025 8:36:00 AM

Mo, excited to see you and the cause as potd, shows admin has good character, maybe he/she is transgender? Yay Two-spirit is a contemporary pan-Indian umbrella term used by Indigenous, native people who fulfill a traditional third-gender (or other gender-variant). How cool is that! Every time a poet used god and far left stuff to be cruel to transgenders, I’d post a huge poster of trans people as happy as can be. The Sister’s of Perpetual Indulgence (trans nuns) haha I met two of the sis’s sweetest loveliest hearts in nuns drag! Bible thumpers. They’ll live in fear because of STALE minds like hers (not just proud boys) in a now backwards America, thanks to her patriot vote. Congratulations on POTD Maureen! excellent message! xhugs hugs, hugs

I Am Anaya
Date: 3/13/2025 11:39:00 AM

Yeah, oh my goodness it was huge news they were banned "We Got a Crowd That's In a Frenzy Bob" found it! 5/23/23 (3383 hits), most I think I've ever gotton...My titles aren't obvious of what the article is about, but I think you'll get a hoot out of it!

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 11:33:00 AM

…did you edit or did I read it wrong? I want to see them, they sound divine.

I Am Anaya
Date: 3/13/2025 11:28:00 AM

My bad, not a rock band! "The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence" drag queens I did a huge article on them, but I think she had it removed! I'll check..it was around March 31st (transgender holiday) I can't find it.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 11:10:00 AM

Thank you so much lovely! I am not familiar with The Sisters of Mercy of which you speak, for me it’s my beloved Leonard Cohen and my fondly remembered goth days dancing away to the so named band… do sing this corrosion to me ;), HUGS!

Daniel Turner

Date: 3/13/2025 8:11:00 AM

Congratulations on POTD Mo but I guess I too am a "fascist" I'm on the other side of this issue. God created man and woman, that's as far as I need to go. However I am happy you are being honored.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 11:04:00 AM

Thank you Daniel. Of note, I did not call anybody a fascist; my comment was referring to what is happening now and the documented evolution of the fascist state beginning with the stripping of the human rights of the LGBTQ+.

Eve Roper

Date: 3/13/2025 7:39:00 AM

I commend you for your brave words, Maureen. Big Congratulations on POTD.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 10:56:00 AM

Thank you Eve, xomo!

Daniel Henry Rodgers

Date: 3/13/2025 6:42:00 AM

Dear Maureen, I am so glad you shine a light on gender issues and are so deserving of POTD. I am a therapist and have managed a Center City Office in Philadelphia for the past 10 years. We treat every single person who walks through our office doors with love, dignity, and respect, for we know we have a severely hurting population. We have specific groups that work with the LGBTQ+, as well as others such as trauma, addictions, suicidal, and mental health in general. Spring Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Deb M
Date: 3/13/2025 9:53:00 AM

You touch everyone's Daniel!!

I Am Anaya
Date: 3/13/2025 9:16:00 AM

Mine too! bravisimo

Eve Roper
Date: 3/13/2025 7:22:00 AM

bravo , Daniel... you touched my heart.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 7:02:00 AM

Thank you so much Daniel, for contributing here and for all that you do. You brought tears to my eyes in all the best ways. xomo

Joseph May

Date: 3/13/2025 6:39:00 AM

As Charlotte said, The sinister "reassignment" of gender on innocent children is very disturbing, Congrats on POTD

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 6:40:00 AM

That would be very disturbing. Fortunately, that is not how it works.

Charlotte Puddifoot

Date: 3/13/2025 6:16:00 AM

when i was at school we never questioned our gender or even thought about it..why? because we weren't being subjected to constant brainwashing by the media, politically correct schools and loopy parents..there's a very sinister agenda afoot - the brainwashing and sexualisation of children - what's going on is a form of child abuse, and i don't care if people attack me for saying it

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 6:45:00 AM

This is why the suicide rates are so high. Personally, I think the little girls all dolled up in beauty pageants are more indicative of the abuse you are suggesting.

Di11y Da11y
Date: 3/13/2025 6:36:00 AM

Maybe the ones that did never spoke of it Charlotte. I have zero questions over my gender but it doesn't mean it's the same for everyone. I'd have reservations about irreversible decisions made at a young age too. That's why there is intensive involvement from psychologists. From the personal stories and literature I've been exposed to the incidence of people making mistakes is rare but just highly publicised perhaps. All I know is I'm not qualified to make decisions about this or indeed moved to judge others about their opinion about their own identity.

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 3/13/2025 6:24:00 AM

Totally agree, and I couldn’t give a flying fig either.

Tom Woody

Date: 3/13/2025 5:52:00 AM

So sad to see everyone throwing spears and stones, but not surprising seeing the usual suspects involved. I will only say that I am unabashedly an alpha heterosexual male, and that an alternate lifestyle is not one that I would choose for myself. As for what others choose to do with their bodies, that is between them and their Creator (Romans 14:12). Who am I to judge? People struggling with gender dysphoria deserve compassion and understanding, not stones. I have had conversations with many

Tom Woody
Date: 3/13/2025 7:04:00 AM

I've learned over the years that a true Christian wants to help, not hurt. I'll be the first to admit it's been a process for me.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 6:55:00 AM

Thank you Tommy. I learned early on in life not to judge others, not to cast stones.

Tom Woody
Date: 3/13/2025 5:54:00 AM

over my forty years of ministry. In the end, my job is not to judge, but to help anyone with an open mind see God's view of human sexuality.

Lin Lane

Date: 3/13/2025 5:11:00 AM

Has anyone seen the video, The Troll Man Cometh? It has nothing to do with transgender and neither should it be an issue with a poem being recognized as potd. Congratulations on your lines having been chosen today, Mo.

Lin Lane
Date: 3/13/2025 7:05:00 AM

It’s for real and a fitting comment when I made it.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 6:50:00 AM

Thank you Lin. (is that video for real? Looked up on youtube, a video game) ;),

John Lawless

Date: 3/13/2025 5:02:00 AM

I have known several who have undergone this "transition". They simply did what they needed to do and in both cases did it with class and understanding of those confused by their situation. I thanked them for never changing the core of who they are...

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 3/13/2025 7:39:00 PM

Adults can do as they please, kids should be off limits.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 6:49:00 AM

Thank you for sharing your experience and your own understanding of what they endure just to be able to live comfortably in their own skin. I always knew you were a good egg ~xomo

Di11y Da11y

Date: 3/13/2025 4:02:00 AM

Congratulations on this educational POTD Mo, what stands out for me is your personal knowledge on the subject as essentially this is what it is all about. Being human and recognition and acceptance that we're all different.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 6:47:00 AM

An honour I certainly wasn’t expecting and am not entirely comfortable with but here we are. I am defending the right to exist for people I care about. Thank you dear DD.

Keith D Trestrail

Date: 3/13/2025 3:29:00 AM

We have children struggling with gender dysphoria but there ain’t no such thing as a transgender child. Look who got POTD.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/14/2025 7:07:00 PM

Infallible as always.

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 3/14/2025 5:48:00 PM

I know why he deleted them. And FYI he’s deleted them again. Tells you everything you need to know about him.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/14/2025 5:49:00 AM

Keith, I don’t know why Arthur deleted your comments, could be the conflation of antisemitism with antizionism, could be they were just off topic and or hate filled. What I will say of myself, I am most impressed that the wisdom and facts derived from all of science, history and anthropology have zero affect on your steadfast opinion.

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 3/13/2025 7:08:00 AM

It’s time for this hamster to jump off the wheel. Bedtime down here you know. Got a big day tomorrow.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 6:59:00 AM

JAMA less than 1%, NIH less than 1%, American Journal of Surgery less than 1%…

Keith D Trestrail
Date: 3/13/2025 6:50:00 AM

Is that the same New England Journal of Medicine who had to retract scientific articles about Covid because they lied about it? Their credibility is busted and their findings agenda driven. Next.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 6:33:00 AM

Keith, gender dysmorphia is treated with counseling and gender affirming care, which for minors is puberty blockers, nothing surgical, and puberty blockers are in fact reversible. “According to the New England Journal of Medicine regret rates for gender affirming surgery are practically non existent.”

Zyrool Gifford

Date: 3/13/2025 3:13:00 AM

Hello Maureen, congratulations on your POTD win with your brilliantly written piece. Found it an informative read. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day, my poet friend.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 7:14:00 AM

Thank you Zyrool, a wonderful day to you too! xomo :)

Tania Kitchin

Date: 3/13/2025 3:04:00 AM

Mo, a powerful poem, congratulations on POTD.

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 7:16:00 AM

Thank you Tania, the feelings were big ;), xomo!

David Kavanagh

Date: 3/13/2025 2:50:00 AM

The world is kinda flat at the poles Maureen or at least flatter, and a person trapped inside the wrong body may well feel poles apart from everyone else, doesn’t mean they should be sent there to live in solitary confinement, yes the pronouns can be somewhat confusing, but not to the extreme some religious organisations (or those that hide behind them) make them out to be, congratulations on a very informative and educational POTD! Cheers David

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 7:19:00 AM

Thank you dear, I am a fire starter, apparently. xomo!

Deb M

Date: 3/13/2025 2:49:00 AM

Everyone has the right to be their authentic selfs and be happy in this world and if you are born in the wrong skin you do what you have to do to be the real YOU! Great poem Mo! Congratulations on POTD my friend! Debx

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 7:17:00 AM

Thank you Lovely. There is so much more to this existence than any one of our little brains can comprehend. Warm hugs! xomo

Tom Cunningham

Date: 3/13/2025 2:49:00 AM

Well written Mo, congratulations to you on today's POTD honour. Tom

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 7:21:00 AM

Hi Tom, thank you! It’s the poem I set out to write, but the muse has its ways. I meant to write on care and acknowledgment is suicide prevention but this came out. xomo

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 3/13/2025 2:41:00 AM

The world was made for you and for me, without a thought of diversity. No telling how one’s lives should be lived, that’s all up to us, remember this. Congratulations Maureen on receiving the honour of poem of the day… Beryl

Maureen McGreavy The Insolent Rib
Date: 3/13/2025 6:42:00 AM

Indeed. There are so many centuries of cultures and so many more ways to express one’s self let alone gene expression. Thank you Beryl.