“During the early 21st century another sexual revolution took place that saw the rise of diverse sexual identity. The liberation movement of the previous century, which had been created by marketing companies to advance consumerism, had reduced the populace’s morale apprehensions, including sexism, racism, and classism. Although race, sex, and gender seemed to remain an issue until the 27^th century. Thanks to scientific progress the human species was able to switch gender with the help of surgical procedures and hormone treatments. Because of this, the human species is also known as ‘selective hermaphrodites.’ Although this notion of diversity was common there were still many who believed that the division of male and female into further sub-genders was salacious and immoral. There were many protests.”

The interactive lesson paused. A panoramic hologram showed a 21st century street. It teemed with human life. Short, small, large, tall; they came in a variety of shapes, genders, and sizes.

“I have further questions. This interests me.” Said the viewer, moving a finger over the frozen image. “Simulation, take me to 2020.”

The viewer was shown a series of personas to choose from. The finger picked what appeared to be a male, with the caption: “Androphilia cisgender.”

The chamber morphed into a virtual space, instantly converting the circular room into the same city street. Cars and buses surged through New York’s financial district. The male figure stepped out into the roadway and waved his hand to pause the simulation. He realized how cumbersome and archaic their transports were. In the mirror he could see his own reflection. The viewer accepted his role as male.

The protests from the lesson were occurring across the traffic, where people had been holding signs and marching in a circle. They were still frozen when the unassuming avatar, in blue jeans and a shirt with a heart, approached them and pressed “Play.”

“What the f–.” Said a portly man with callused hands. He wore a t-shirt of an older man with a beard with a heart on his palm. “Where’d you come from?”

The avatar stared at the impassioned simulations and wondered what they would do if they knew they weren’t real. “I’m a student, of sorts. I have questions.”

The sign read, “Save the children.” The overfed man stared at the way he was dressed, “Get the hell outta here, kid. People like you don’t have the right to be called human.”

“I am not human.”

“Ah ha! See!” The man’s female concubine chimed in. “This poor boy don’t even know what he is! You belong with them.” She pointed. Her sign read, “Words R Important.”

Chaos broke out. Another group was opposing the protesters. These men and women did not have signs and appeared to be younger and less happy. They shouted in protest of the protesters and wore lighter colors, mostly neon and pink.

The viewer stood in the middle and studied both sides. Over the constant vocalizations he could not understand the purpose of this forum. To his left a woman stepped from the youthful crowd and held up one of her fingers.

She held it like a weapon, “Trans voices need to be heard so shut up! How do you expect people to defend themselves if they can’t speak!”

The player-controlled avatar spoke softly, “How should I defend myself?”

The woman froze and finally said. “I mean I guess you can talk, but don’t expect anything to change, you bigoted piece of sh–.”

“I ask that you not judge me and I will not judge you.” He interrupted. “And we can all live in harmony. Or would you rather not have it that way? Without two opposing sides there cannot be a conflict. Therefore, one side must oppose the other. It is the law of nature. When one ideology comes into being, so too does its opposite. But why do you fight if you are the same species? From what I understand of this conflict, you want accommodations to make your lives easier, yes?”

The woman nodded and rolled her eyes. “There are trans people suffering right now because they’re bullied in schools and rejected by society.”

“Things are bad all over.” He said. “No one is going to help you do it on your own. That would defeat the purpose of life.”

“You’re insane. Go to hell!”

He began to feel something he had never felt before, frustration. “I do believe that adaptation is important to survival but have you evaluated the consequences of your actions? Is it worth it?

“Yes.”

“No.” said the viewer, ending the simulation. “I didn’t think so.” There were more questions but it no longer mattered, especially since the truth was so malleable. The right side was not well articulated. Both sides had been disorganized and blinded by anger. It wasn’t their fault. Weakness in the human species wasn’t their downfall, it was their unending need to feel enlightened and their propensity for conflict. Which, the necrefertarian supposed, wasn’t all that bad. As the room returned to normal the squid-like being activated the shower module and began to mate with itself.