November 18, 2004 11:31 AM GMT
I think both Shan and Laura are correct. It depends on the individual assailant. Some just want an excuse to strike out....that is why so many hate organizations have multiple targets. Opportunity and Xenophobia.
Still, I wonder if some of it is that many people carry bits of TGism in them. When it gets triggered in the brain it sets off a panic attack because they are confused (don't many of us know that feeling and how distressing it was, initially at least?). Currently I get "both barrels", when I see an attractive female, that is my brain is interpreting my feelings/reactions as both a desire for her and to be her, and I KNOW what is going on, I am accepting of my TG nature and STILL it is distressing. What is it like for the unaware carrying hidden TG parts in their brain? Anger is a great cover for uncomfortable/painful feelings.
This does not condone their behavior, but I look for an understanding of the process. Good luck getting "heterosexual males" to participate in an experiment to explore their TG parts and resultant anger, lol.