What is predictable is that most of the world just don't care. Now I know that if there are issues that we are very invested in, we expect everybody to care as much as we do. I have many such issues in my life.
Yes, it is something of a first world issue. In most of the world people 'feeling that they are in the wrong body' would be considered unbelievably self-indulgent. All the same, where gender politics is an issue, I disagree that most people don't care. A few years ago I suspect that most people hadn't given the matter much thought, or if they had were broadly tolerant, as the only transpeople they knew were just going about 'living as' the opposite sex and not trampling all over women's rights. Since the Olympics, however, when the trans lobby over-reached, more people have realised the implications, even if they haven't experienced the impact of gender politics first hand yet, which more and more women are, or if not experiencing it themselves, are seeing their daughters and grand-daughters being impacted by it.
But the predictable part is the outrage that is exhibited by posters who are very invested in this, and the "othering" of people who either have a different point of view or just don't care. The absolute nastiness that is shown towards people who you (plural) think are doing something you (plural) don't approve of.
I don't know about 'absolute nastiness'. I can see understandable outrage at someone who is clearly thumbing his nose at women. If the winner had been someone living as a woman (whatever that means), who had taken steps towards transitioning, or even entered with a female name, then 'nastiness' might have been toned down to disapproval and outrage at the fact that the entry was allowed. As it is, there is no doubt as to the message from Brian and from those who voted for him to win, and I think that it is outrageous. I know that women are often encouraged to 'be kind' and not speak out if anyone might get upset, but I don't buy that, I'm afraid.
I vacillate between the two points of view about this; but let me tell you, the absolute hostility to people who are on "the other side" makes it very difficult to form a valid opinion. One can be a feminist and a trans ally. If you think otherwise, then I will never be "on your side" because you are significantly mistaken.
I'm not recruiting
. I used the term 'trans ally' as, despite having asked several times for a term that is mutually acceptable (ie doesn't position the gender critical as 'unkind' or intolerant) there hasn't been a sensible suggestion. 'Intersectional feminist' was mentioned recently, but again, that suggests that the GC viewpoint is that only white middle class women matter, which is not true. I am not 'absolutely hostile' to anyone who discusses without condescension, unfounded accusations and/or clumsy attempts at rhetorical sophistry. Like anyone but a saint I get rattled when my words are twisted and I am accused of phobias and prejudices that I don't hold, and will fight back, but I don't initiate hostility. (I believe that to be true of many others who share my opinions too, but I am speaking only for myself here, as opposed to claiming that I am the only one to do or not do any of the above).