This comic came directly from something I said to my therapist this week.
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While I’ve largely been going full “eff it, I’m leaning into being visibly trans”, I have the benefit of living in an area and working with people that are generally super supportive, so I’ve got it easier than most and the decision isn’t as hard to make.
Some of the venues I’ll find myself in less frequently however, I admit I get antsy about my presentation.
It’s bizarre, there was literally someone at an event once that told me they read my comics and were really proud and supportive of me while also telling me that they voted for people that are not only directly harming trans people, but that they said they were going to harm trans people and other marginalized communities.
Now, I was working and in a position where causing a scene wouldn’t be a great idea. So I had to stand there, smile, and say “aww thank you for your support” to someone who pulled their political lever to take away my right to exist.
The cognitive dissonance of this person to say that to me. To say that you love me and support me, to call me “brave”, while when it comes to actually doing something practical, they actively are participating in stripping me of my rights.
And then I have to stand there, take it, and to smile.
While I’m speaking about one experience in particular, it isn’t the only one. This has happened multiple times and I imagine it will continue to happen.
So I guess at this point, I may as well just be visible even when it might jeopardize my safety. I’ll always be my professional self and I’ll shy away from causing friction, but I’m trans and I shouldn’t be afraid to openly be so.