The artist's body of work is starkly simplistic in its ideas, which is interesting given the consistent theme of mocking simplicity. Still, while not generally liking them, I can appreciate some of them, including some of the ones with epistemological themes. I like the ones showing the immutable nature of reality in contrast to the transiency of subjective truth. None of this is a new idea or surprising, of course, but that's not necessary for art. My favourite is the meat grinder one.
As to the comic in question, the most sympathetic reading is that it's a bad comic, and that's after seeking out the artist's other work and giving the benefit of the doubt as to intention. Execution alone is extremely problematic. None of us can be 100% sure it is not transphobic even after all of this. We all have enough experience with TERFs, right? Being progressive in some ways doesn't mean you have a complete set of progressive ideals. We're left with the idea that it's best to be circumspect given the artist's pro-gay, anti-conformist themes in other works; none of us want it to be bigoted despite how it comes across. Every artist is allowed their duds and this is a dud. That's where I am.
A question for the disdainful people offended by anyone taking issue with it: would you share it to a large group of people without any comment or context, or follow up commentary? Would you simply present the comic? It is a standalone piece of art; a four-panel comic. Do you believe it speaks for itself and would you stake your reputation on it?
If not, then you do understand why people take issue with it.
