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Is it Too Much to Expect That Everyone Sees Trans Women as Women?
Or, is it okay to see trans women as trans women?
In a recent exchange, a trans woman went on a date without disclosing her transgender identity, hoping to be seen simply as a woman. However, her strong attachment to being perceived solely as a woman may have pushed away a bisexual man who seemingly accepted her for who she was and wanted to see her again.
The question arises: Was it reasonable for her to expect him to see her only as a woman and not as a transgender woman? Trans activists such as Alok, Alex Drummond, and Dylan Mulvaney advocate for being seen as women, yet societal perceptions can vary depending on factors like presentation. Most people in our daily lives are not transgender, and as children, we learn to categorize others as male or female based on certain cues.
Numerous cues, including body shape, motion, and other characteristics, influence how we perceive someone’s sex. Research has shown that observers rely on these differences when making social judgments. However, it’s important to note that we cannot control how others perceive us, and if we are misgendered, it may indicate areas where we can work on our presentation, mannerisms, and attitudes. While it is essential to respect and validate individuals’ gender identities, it’s…
