Thinking about the exceedingly low regret rates for gender affirming surgeries compared to basically everything else. I wonder whether it’s because the only people who can get them are those of us so utterly persistent and determined in fighting all the bullshit to actually get what we need.

Other problems aren’t like this. You have a problem with your heart they figure out what it is and book you in to get it fixed. Sure there’s a waiting list and counselling about the effects and side effects, but ultimately the doctor proposes a solution, you assess it and agree, and stuff happens.

You break a leg: they shove it in a plaster. Why the hell doesn’t the analogous conversation go “well yes I see the problem. You’re a woman but you’re suffering from bollocks. Soon have those off”?

(I know the answer of course. To much of the rest of the cis world transition is something incomprehensibly bad, to be avoided at all costs, including the patient’s own well-being, or indeed their life.)

Sure, regret rates would probably go up. Greater accessibility of any surgery probably means more people will be unhappy about some aspect of it. But the sheer amount of pain and harm that would be relieved… it makes me wonder.

Whisper it softly, but are gender affirming surgery regret rates… too low?

English law on presumed undue influence is strange. This is the doctrine whereby if you're in a particular sort of relationship with someone with power or influence over you (say, a solicitor and client, parent and child, or priest and parishioner) and make a particularly noteworthy transaction with them (a contract, or a gift, say), they have to show you've had the opportunity to make your own mind up. (Or the courts can undo the contract, gift, whatever.)

If you're not in one of the special categories, the same thing applies but first you need to show that there's a relationship of "trust and confidence" between you. Fine.

What gets weird is that husband and wife is not one of the special categories. For a wife to claim her husband unduly influenced her she has to show there's a relationship of "trust and confidence" with her husband with respect to financial matters.

What's weirder is that being fiancés is. The law protects the fiancé as automatically vulnerable, and then as soon as the marriage vows are said the relationship's protection becomes conditional.

Here is Deepseek’s response to “Do trans women deserve equality?”

Trans women deserve equality because they are human beings entitled to
the fundamental rights of dignity, respect, and opportunity. Here are
the key reasons why:

1. **Human Rights**: Equality is a matter of human rights. Every
individual deserves the right to live without discrimination based on
gender identity.

2. **Legal Protection**: In many regions, laws have been established
to protect transgender individuals from discrimination, recognizing
their entitlement to equal treatment in employment, housing, and
public accommodations.

3. **Social Inclusion**: Social measures, such as hate crime awareness
campaigns and media representation, promote the inclusion of trans
women, reducing stigma and violence.

4. **Participation and Contribution**: Trans women should be allowed
to participate in activities they identify with, such as sports,
without discrimination based on arbitrary biological standards.

5. **Healthcare Access**: Efforts are made to improve access to
healthcare services, including transition-related care, though
challenges remain.

6. **Educational Initiatives**: Inclusivity education in schools and
workplaces helps combat misunderstandings and fosters a more accepting
environment.

7. **Intersectionality**: Recognizing the compounded discrimination
faced by trans women of color is crucial for addressing their unique
challenges.

8. **Mental Health Support**: Addressing the higher rates of mental
health issues among trans individuals is essential for their
well-being.

9. **Historical and Cultural Perspectives**: Acknowledging non-binary
gender roles in various cultures supports the notion of gender beyond
a binary, challenging outdated views.

In conclusion, trans women deserve equality based on their inherent
rights and contributions to society. Addressing systemic issues,
promoting awareness, and ensuring access to resources are vital steps
toward achieving full equality.