I don't know where reality falls on the spectrum between "completely sheltered naive worldview" and "straight up racist everyone else is a barbarian worldview", but I'm hoping I can get a general Vibe from you guys.
As an adult, white, trans woman just starting to transition, how much danger would I be in presenting as such in public (wearing a longish skirt, making my hair cuter, being as freshly shaved as possible) while still not fully passing?
I mostly keep to myself and am also fairly large, though it's more fat than muscle, but regardless, I think my physical presence would be a deterrent to any physical violence, but it seems to sometimes make violence even worse so I don't know
I'm in Los Angeles specifically, and I'm thinking about probably the most "progressive" parts of the city like Hollywood (or the suburbs, where I'm so alienated I genuinely don't care what anyone thinks of me). Pretty much everywhere I plan to go is on fully lit main roads
SoCal seems to be filled with way more bigots than up North (at least until Sacramento, where it's maximium overdrive for racism) so I would just try to keep your head on a swivel. It's generally a good idea to just scan around whenever you're walking in unfamiliar areas. It's not really paranoia, you should just be curious and interested in what is happening around you. If you glance around like this and trust your gut you should be able to avoid a lot of trouble before it starts. Everytime I've gone against my gut feeling I've gotten in trouble. I remember walking into a pitch black bus stop that I've been to dozens of times but at that time I just had a very strange sense of unease and felt like I should turn around and go further up the street to the more well lit one and there was literally a guy hiding in the bushes who was probably about to beat and rob me if the bus had not come when it did.
The world is not that dangerous unless you live in like a warzone or Somalia, but always be aware. I have a weird tendency to get into trouble just walking around so I find it's best to just be looking for those situations bubbling up before they boil over and bail accordingly. Pay attention to subtle cues like glances, body language, etc. Most people looking for trouble ALWAYS signal it
It's very location & demographic based. I moved interstate before I could transition and I'm confident that was the right choice for me.
Also personally I find I can more or less get along with most people insofar as they dont assault me, but I'd rather the opportunity to avoid it over say, being king hit from behind. I'm also a homebody so going out in public isn't exactly common I guess