I agree. But I wouldn't have known that the author was trans had the commenter not pointed it out. My thoughts about the original article are unchanged, but if the goal is to not discriminate, then pointing out a feature that many people would discriminate against seems counterintuitive imo.
If the original commenter said something like "it's inspiring that a trans person could overcome all odds and have such an accomplishment" then that comment has value. Randomly pointing out that the author is trans with zero context has no positive value.
“Asahi Linux wouldn’t exist without trans people. No one realizes how much Linux progress, and especially how much Linux graphics/gpu progress, hinges on trans people. Perhaps the selfish motivation of wanting Linux to succeed will make HN readers less placidly tolerant of trans hate in the future.”
But, as one of those “wait, you’re trans?!” people who silently contributes to projects without labeling myself, I get how it could be confusing. Hope that helps!
Thanks! I understood the quote in itself, but the OP quoting it with no additional context could have had two connotations: one nefarious (don't bother with this article because it was written by a trans person with an agenda) or one of positivity (Linux wouldn't be where it is now without trans people).
I always hope for the latter, but context and mood are impossible to communicate easily online which is why I was asking for clarification.
There’s a lot of value in selecting the best faith interpretation and then replying in that context; for those silent readers who might be confused, it helps clear up their confusion to the disfavor of any underhandedness — which is then forced to either identify itself plainly (and promptly get flagged) or lose the battle and move on.
If the original commenter said something like "it's inspiring that a trans person could overcome all odds and have such an accomplishment" then that comment has value. Randomly pointing out that the author is trans with zero context has no positive value.