Wow, I guess this is a difficult, emotional thing for a number of folks besides me. I just think this crazy situation of being trans is such a paradox. The thing I want is to blend in as a woman. I also want to be self accepting. So, to blend in and match my mind with where I think I should fit in with society, that involves withholding my trans visibility. To accept myself as what I am, I shouldn't be ashamed of claiming my identity perhaps in visible or activist ways. There are times when I want both. I don't judge anyone for the personal choices they make in this matter. I will say that the original intent as the OP was not to get people upset with each other. I would hope we would use a little tact in how we say things, so we can maintain a respectful dialog.
I have never been much of a flag waver. I have seen instances where the piece of cloth becomes more important than the values that flag represents. The values are the important thing in my mind. So, I see the potential for the symbol to become divisive. The safety issue is definitely legitimate in the society we live in. I also want to advocate for general tolerance, trans, gay, and minority rights. I will do that in my way, in my little corner of the world. I guess I am saying, I would wear a trans T shirt in the places I see as appropriate to my personality. My values, to the best of my ability, will remain consistent and open to outsiders.
Moni
