I used to think I was a coward for not really being out in public. Or that maybe it was the depression. Hell, I didn't even know that being trans was a thing until I was in grad school. I just thought it was fucked in the head. I'm glad information is out there for younger folks. Braver folks. But as for me, I'm probably just going to be stuck as I am until I'm dead.
this post was submitted on 17 Mar 2025
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If it helps you at all, I thought the same thing. I'm in my early 40's, scared to death of what might happen in this political climate, and went through some very rough times in the last few years. I finally said enough last month and told my spouse. They're helping me find clothing and picking out nail polish and going with me to my clinic appointments. Find the right people to support you and you can do anything. You can even be yourself, and it's never too late.
Yeah 🫤
Wearing a skirt alone in my apartment is about as safe as it gets for me, its incredibly frustrating how little i feel like i can do to be me.
skirts are the best! I'm a cis male (and obviously so), and I wear skirts in public all the time (not at work tho, for practical reasons). Most people who have anything to say about it have exclusively been positive.
I am in the unfortunate circumstance that there is a 4 digit (or higher) number of people who could recognize me in public (perk of being an "IT guy"...) and start rumours around my extremely large workplace, making my life and a family members life hellish 😐
I'll suppress my urge to say "fuck those people!" because I recognize that isn't always a viable option.
wait, what if you wore a mask? there's another plague winding up, so you've got the excuse. At minimum, plausible deniability?
(i'm trying to be helpful and supportive, let me know if it's not working and I'll stop)
Not too bothered by helpful/supportive.
Dark red state (the major cities are kinda split, but still an uncomfortable amount of red) that more or less ran the state director of health out of office/town in the first year of covid.
I'm.... very noticeable in size/shape/hair/voice. Built like a large sack of grain wouldnt be inaccurate xD
I've more or less resigned myself to the fact that I'm not likely to be happy here. Just trying to get my mental health together (using my currently pretty good insurance) well enough to be able to get a better paying job a significant distance away.
Whatever you decide to do, I believe you will make the right choice. Shit will get worse before it gets better, so hang in there. Thoughts and prayers aren't worth much, but you know. There's a famous quote, i forget who said it: "Everything will be alright in the end. If it's not alright, it's not the end."
It's probably helpful to remember that the political scapegoating isn't personal, nothing is wrong with you wanting to live fully as yourself anymore than there is anything wrong with Jewish people living, or gay folks, etc. - we are victimized not because there is any wrong about us, but because it is politically useful.
Stay safe but stay focused on your well-being. Learning to pass is a useful skill, not just for safety but for reducing dysphoria - it sounds crazy but sometimes makeup literally helped me recover from difficult suicidal thoughts.
Focus on the practical, helpful things you can do - what is within your control now. Keep going in the right direction, and don't obsess about things you can't control. As far as I can tell, that's part of how we can reduce unnecessary suffering.
But I’m so good at obsessing over things I can’t control!
You’re right though, I just need to keep my head down, be around people I can trust, and keep making progress bit by bit
I am too, tbh - it's natural I think for us to worry and anticipate things that might go wrong. And to be fair, it's good to some extent to be able to anticipate and plan - but any obsessing beyond that is not only unhelpful, but overwhelming and even harmful.
I hope you're able to re-orient around trans joy and euphoria - it does exist, I promise, even as the world around us burns. Remember that just a few decades ago, things were much worse for trans folks in this country, and we will survive worse. Help yourself survive by focusing on your own happiness and well-being. Love yourself, and take care of yourself 🥰
Ya stuff really sucks now. States are starting to try and push through even worse laws, and it's getting pretty discouraging. But keep your chin up and keep reaching out. Start with small changes that might be less perceived. Underclothing is a great start. Painting nails should be ok too in most places I hope.
Now that I'm finally ready to change my name there's no point because they are holding up all the passport changes. The ACLU filed a lawsuit in February but I haven't found any updates about that yet. Assuming they even follow a court order to continue processing them...
Just gotta keep on practicing as much self care as possible. Form as many good affirming and positive habits you can. And hopefully things will get better!
Yeah, my state has decent discrimination protections thankfully, but local governments and schools are trying to comply in advance with these bullshit executive orders. It’s just disheartening.
I do paint my nails! It’s one of the most visible affirming things I feel like I can get away with, makes me happy 😊 and I’m planning on getting my earlobes pierced in a few weeks too
I’m planning on getting my earlobes pierced in a few weeks too
Yesss! Dooo ittt!
(I'm actually on my way home from the piercing place right now! +100 Girl Points and I'm in a great mood)
Yay, I’m so happy for you! What jewelry did they give you? Just like simple studs while the piercings heal?
Probably depends on the place, but the one I went to supplied an extra-long stud (for ease of cleaning) in a choice of 12 colors, silver, gold or clear. They're really tiny so not too ostentatious. I went for purple :3
Now I get to look at all the jewelry shops I've been avoiding when I go to the mall!
When I was first figuring things out I wore a sports bra a lot. They can be completely invisible but still provide a feeling of something there
Sounds like you're at least in a somewhat good place and working towards progress which is awesome!
I've been tremendously happy with the area I live in so far. If I wear a mask, a cute hat, painted nails or not, wearing a purse, and practice my voice, I've been able to pass and get gendered correctly. It's still daunting but my courage is building.
Do everything you can that makes you feel safe and euphoric and keep building yourself up!
I’m glad you found such a great place to live! I left the red state I grew up in a few years ago, and I’m never looking back.
And thank you for the encouragement 😊 I’m still not brave enough to go outside while presenting femme, but I love the little sparks of joy I get from doing affirming things at home!
Mood, I'm in the same boat, it sucks