I drive an old ex-police car which, until recently, was bedecked with a plethora of roses, vines, butterflies and a large trans "rainbow" with "Beth" in cursive on the front fenders...talk about making myself a target!
But in the 4 years it had those decals on, I didn't have a single incident of hostility, in spite of driving in potentially very hostile areas (known skinhead neighborhoods, rural farmland, etc).
Of course, I do not drive aggressively at all. No speeding, no hard turns, etc...I *can* if I need to (lots of driving like that when I was younger
). I've only experienced a couple of road rage incidents, all after I'd been driving aggressively.
QuoteI like driving, and maybe at times a little bit more spirited than some would call ladylike. but hey that's who I am, I like corners, and transgender women have a history in professional motor sport at a higher level than most other sports (Terri O'Connell and Roberta Cowell anyone). but that doesn't seem relevant until I get into the issue.
this means I find myself in countryside roads only slightly away from the main motorway's, where rather, unsavory persons may lurk, as I have found out. now, this has happened before, and because the people who have done this (always more than one in a vehicle, and always look me in the eye and start making threatening gestures immediately) look so plain, the police cannot do anything without license plates, which is a problem because front license plates are not issued where I live. luckily because I am rather fond of these winding roads I manage to find safety in speed (which I do not advise unless you 100% need to in order to keep oneself safe
This tells me you like to drive aggressively, and you are choosing to look people in the eye
once they catch up to you (since your eyes are on the road when on windy roads and when passing cars, right?)
I don't think being trans is the problem here. Many people in the country don't like long-hair types, especially if they're driving anything other than a 4x4. Your "small coupe" may be seen as a "rice burner", and if it's decked out like I'd imagine (low to the ground, loud coffee can muffler), that, combined with what is perceived as aggressive driving (by the other driver, even if it's not seen that way by you) is probably what is triggering their response more than your hairstyle.
Of course, I could be wrong. But given I drive a car that basically screams "hey I'm LGBT!!" and have driven in known hostile areas without issue, suggests your driving style may play a part.
Prevention of an incident is the best answer.
