Thread by @chadfelixg

Its so strange.

LGBT used to be about challenging the stereotypical cultural norms of gender expression.

Today they view stereotypical cultural norms of gender expression as the defining aspect of a person's identity.

Before it was 'Masculinity does not define a man. A man can be emotional, feminine and creative! Men can rock women's clothing and still be men!'

Now its, 'You are emotional, feminine and creative and you like women's clothing? That means you must really be a woman.'

Gender expression used to be a personal flavor and free to be fluid. You could be as masculine or feminine as you wanted. The point was to accept the individual as they were.

Today gender expression is viewed as a strict, defining characteristic carefully segregated into groups.

Before, my sense of gender ambiguity would be viewed as proof that being a man was complex and individual.

Today it means I am a completely separate gender requiring specific segregation, legal recognition and social identity.

LGBT used to say 'Be yourself! Don't change a thing! Wear what you want! Be free!'

Today they say, 'You are *insert gender*, you require medical intervention to be happy, hormones and surgery. Also you dress like this, need a new pronoun and name. Put "X" as your gender.'

Gender expression for LGBT used to be a fun rebellion and enjoyment of creative self-definition and personality.

Today it is an external set of criteria that limits who a person can be.

I simply refuse to be defined by other people, on any side. 💅