if my name is “weird” enough that you feel compelled to ask, “What is that short for?” Or “is that your legal name?”

If my appearance is ambiguous enough for you to wonder if I’m on hormones…

maybe don’t ask about it until I’m ready to tell you about it.

Well, we are being targeted and surveilled in unprecedented ways atm. I’m hoping people interpret my post as an invitation to sit with uncertainty and to choose connection & solidarity in spite of the confusion that trans existence might stir in them.

I understand. Trans ppl platformed on national TV might say it’s ok to “just ask“ any Q that comes to mind when interacting with a trans person. Personally, I think that some questions don’t really need to be asked up front in order to establish a true, meaningful bond with someone who’s trans. 🤷🏻

reasons should be obvious 😩😩😩

I’ll assume you’re asking in good faith (might be a mistake)…

I’m not opposed to sharing that info w/ ppl I’m intimate w/, but i’d rather share voluntarily once I feel comfortable & confident they’re not fetishizing me (extremely likely when you’re 1% of the population).

We’re still living in overlapping pandemics— #COVID, #HIV, and #LongCOVID & associated conditions.

These are not disconnected crises. All are shaped by interlocking systems of racism, poverty, criminalization, & medical neglect.