I can't argue with you there. It would be great to see more positive representation of transgender characters in tv and film, preferably with those characters played by actual transgender actors as well. Even better if the characters just happen to be trans without the show making an explicit issue of it.

That's a fair point, if that's how people are interpreting it. But if that's the case, then I don't see how it's even possible to write a story about a serial killer who's making a lady suit without being accused of being anti-trans.

I don't believe so. To me, it implies that those who can't be trusted, are faking it, or are mentally ill are *not* trans. I couldn't find the exact line, but I seem to remember Hannibal saying something to the effect of "transsexuals are non-violent" or similar, perhaps using that as part of his basis for concluding…

I thought all circle-jerks pointed inwards…?

I completely disagree about both Pat and Silence of the Lambs. In Silence, Hannibal clearly states that Buffalo Bill is not transsexual, but he thinks he is due to the self-loathing he developed as the result of an abusive childhood. I've never thought of that movie as transphobic, though I wasn't looking for it…