I feel sad for both of them
The dad still said happy birthday and I love you only to get that text back. Older folks are exposed to a lot of propaganda and many are brainwashed (the hint in this case is the “God bless you”). Without more context I’m hesitant to call him an asshole.
Based on this small exchange I’d be more inclined to say they are both assholes.
It’s just sad that they can’t look past this and love each other regardless.
Sad that dad can’t toss away his transphobia and accept his daughter.
Daughter’s behavior is completely justifiable tho. If I was in her place, I would not look past bigotry and basic lack of respect to me
The hint in this case is “God bless you”
That’s actually the abuse showing through. It’s intentional passive aggression and a manipulative speech pattern. It’s meant to imply, “God bless you, even though you’re breaking his rules and making him sad and probably going to hell”.
And before you ask, I was raised evangelical, was deeply involved in ministry, went to bible school, and even worked at a church for a few years; I know how these people think because I was one until I saw the light and ditched their religion. The number of times I’ve seen “I’ll pray for you/them”, “God bless you/them”, and such used as insults is too damn high.