1) Self acceptance of yourself and others: You were born XY with male parts, you are getting surgery to correct a birth defect. The world might not understand. But if you love yourself and don't care it's not a big deal. Accept the fact that some of us are sluts, others of us are nerds. It doesn't make any path right or wrong.
2) People can probably tell or know regardless of how convincing you are: If you started hormones after puberty, no matter how femme you may appear. Some people will know, it's just reality. Getting ffs, ba, or srs won't correct this...since we will still have something about us that is male or female. However, the upside is that a lot of people don't know either. Men are driven by hormones, women are driven by emotions. The small group that may know is insignificant. No matter how much we argue "well ciswomen are as tall as Bridgette Nielsen".." I've yet to see them and if I do, they aren't common.
3) Live in reality: I can't emphasis how much people stay grounded in their transitions. Even if you are living as your true self. There are people who won't understand. Instead of branding them ignorant, try to look at things from their perspective. Trans people are a relatively new thing in the 21st century and chances are a lot of them don't have bad intentions. Ignore the haters as well, people are gonna hate on you for one thing or another.
4) Hormones aren't magic... Hormones are really awesome and do stuff. But I wouldn't rely on them. The female that comes from within is much more important.
5) Be self confident. Who cares what I say or anyone else says. Live your life as you see fit. All of us have different levels of dsyphoria... Surround yourself with people who love you and want to help you. People who want to see you embrace your true self.
