I think a lot of misinterpretation about trans people comes from a misunderstanding of the cause and effect of gendered behaviour. People assume you do things solely because they are feminine/masculine, and that’s how you want to be seen. This leads to people assuming you’re trying to fit stereotypes. I can tell you that that never figures into things. I have avoided things because they are gendered, out of fear of ostracization, but I have never done something exclusively because it is gendered.
I wear dresses because I think they’re pretty, and I shave my body hair because I find having body hair uncomfortable. These were things I felt I was not allowed to do when I was a man. You know what I don’t do? Paint my nails or wear makeup. I tried those things and decided they’re not for me. Femininity alone does not motivate me to stick with things I don’t enjoy.
Me transitioning isn’t me doing feminine things because they are feminine. Me transitioning is doing whatever I want, and the result of that is doing more things that are feminine. If I didn’t do feminine things before, it’s because the pressure of gender roles didn’t allow me to in the past.
THIS. I identify as gender fluid and coming to terms with that let me just embrace doing the things that make me happy. When I was a teen, I avoided dresses/skirts and anything pink like the plague. I didn’t wanted to be “girly” or “feminine”. Now I wear flowers in my hair regularly, I wear dresses, I even like pink! Not because I decided to be “girly”, but because I decided I actually enjoy these things. My self worth is no longer something I leave to those around me, but how I feel about myself and my life is that much richer for it.
