same. at the time, I could never quite explain why the idea of making someone uncomfortable like this bothered me so much. it went waaaay beyond normal courtesy or empathy and was a viscerally unpleasant feeling, like my skin was wrong.

I of course now realize a lot of those feelings were intense gender dysphoria from being perceived as both a man and as a threat. I still don’t blame anyone for responding in whatever way they need to feel safe, it just sucked that my presence was stressing someone out.

Now that I’ve transitioned further, it has been relieving to see how other women don’t tense up with me nearby now. I’m also now personally aware of why we have to be vigilant about men, which is… :yea: