One of my friends came out to me as MtF when I came out to her. She's definitely cool and I like her; I was friends with her already! I'm gay, so my answer as to dating is no. I will say that it's been easier talking to her about things though, since she already has an understanding that most cis people don't. So yeah, there's a connection there that's nice.
As far as not wanting to be around MtF people for fear of not passing? No. She's not out officially and doesn't pass, but we go out sometimes with her presenting as female. I pass about 70-80% of the time, though I'm usually read as being 12-15. I don't worry about her hindering my passing. Even if that was the case, she's my friend and I'm not afraid/ashamed/embarrassed to be seen with her. On the contrary, she's one of the bravest people I know, much braver than I am, and I'm proud to call her my friend. I'm not "out" and I plan on being stealth after getting farther into my transition, but I would never consider cutting ties with other trans people because I was afraid they would make me pass less. I mean, if we can't support each other... You know? And you don't have to be trans to be dating/friends with/support trans people, so I don't think people would automatically make that assumption anyway. Just my take on that.
