Changing Interactions
Navigating the world as a transgender man
I’m now perceived as male most of the time, both online and in public. Because of this, I have come to realize that I can no longer interact with others in the same way I used to. I’ve had to pause when responding to people and weigh my words, especially if I’m in a position where I either don’t want or shouldn’t out myself.
Geeking out on pop-culture
This may seem trivial, but when people discuss their crushes, especially celebrities, I never had to give a second thought about admitting mine. However, admitting to having crushes on male celebrities now either outs me as gay or trans (or both).
Depending on the group I’m interacting with, I don’t always want to out myself. More than once I’ve had to reign in my desire to share my pre-teen crushes on Donny Osmond and Shaun Cassidy, or my teen crushes on Richard Dean Anderson and David Hasselhoff. (Don’t judge. He was a tall, good-looking guy with an even cooler talking car. What’s not to love?)
In all seriousness, I have become much more aware of what kinds of pop-culture I geek out about and with whom. It’s a consideration I hadn’t thought I’d have to make. Discussing my love of old science fiction shows falls into the stereotypical realm of acceptable male interests…
