This is something I have found even with allies. I have been asked to vent or talk about my feelings when suffering from dysphoria. Before being told "I am sorry I can't really understand what you are going through. Maybe you should talk to another trans person?"

Despite the person being the one asking, then again I've already done that. Sometimes I just need to vent and if you give me space to do so I will. I think what frustrates me is I have realized how.. hollow this argument is?

I wouldn't tell a gay man venting about his issues to talk to other gay men when venting. I wouldn't tell a person of colour to speak to other persons of colour. I wouldn't tell a woman to talk to other women. I'd listen to them even if I didn't personally get their struggle. I'd sympathise.

Sometimes there are great things to gain from talking to people who share your experience. And i'd even advice it myself, and it's been crucial for me. But I would NEVER turn a friend in need away. I'd try to listen to what is being said, sometimed you don't need the answer, just the ear.

Yes! It’s like the most basic principle. We got all sorts of shorthands for it from so many cultures!! It’s like the common ethical aspiration.

I wish I could like this thread ten thousand times

Indeed not. www.wpr.org/news/larry-j...