Earth social perspective vs alien relations

I thought S3:E5 was very well acted and touching. Also a very interesting take on the "in" topic of transgenders. However, it chose to put the psychological needs of one individual above the safety of hoards of civilizations. Emotional decisions with no regard for consequences? Sadly typical.

Also equating happiness with "proper" gender doesn't jive with statistics. On average, happiness levels do not change post-op. Turns out that happiness is mostly genetic predisposition, social connection, and, to a smaller degree, wealth level. What if, after the surgery, Topa was still unhappy? That would have been more representative of the issue they are trying to illuminate. Still, it was nice to see little Topa happy in the end.

Shocked at the power of Bortus's emotional scene.

Side foreshadow note: Obviously, the season finale will involve Mercer's letter to Anaya. Also, that cut on whatshername's leg will probably turn her into one of those aliens or something next ep. They made sure to show us what they looked like so ...