Member-only story
Dear Trans Women
Excerpts from concerned citizens
TW: Violence, SA.
What follows are condensed excerpts and quotes from actual conversations I have had as an out trans woman in the world. They represent a multitude of experiences ranging from heated inquisition to outright threats of assault. They are also a peek into the window of the trans experience. They are highly emotional. The names are pseudonyms to protect the identities of the individuals.
Jennifer, from bookclub:
Hi! Can we have a friendly chat? Can we get some coffee at a small table outside and talk about some things? I just think you should know some things.
Okay first off — I know you know where I’m coming from since we’re friends. Friends can talk about things, right? Can I ask, have you ever thought about the image you’re sending to other people? Specifically kids? Like, have you ever thought about how it affects others?
Like it's okay to be trans, of course, it is, I have all the sympathy for someone with gender dysphoria, but the more you act like other women I know, the more I feel like you’re trivializing my experience. Does that make sense? Yes, yes, I know when I break those stereotypes it’s completely fine though, that’s empowerment, just don’t worry about me. I get to be the tomboy and still be a woman. It’s…
