Has anyone else accidentally offended another trans person when they first started getting to know other trans people? I've done that a few times. I tell myself that it takes time for me to learn just like it does for cis people but I still am really hard on myself about this.....
I am myself trying to tiptoe around others. It is hard to tell what could trigger something, could even be a simple question you are curious about. Phrase the question wrong and the response you get could blow your mind, or break your heart. Over simplify something to explain it and you could inadvertently belittle someones experiences...
Yeah its hard to navigate, I agree!
Hugs!
Jade
:-*
i seem to offend people often. sometimes it's because of their closed mind, other times it's my own fault.
when it's my own fault, i apologize immediately, if it's at all possible to realize i said something offending to them. it usually shows on their face, or they respond angrily.
apologizing and talking it out is a great way to get good friends and allies. it works much better than tiptoeing, i can get closer to people by being open and honest and take the consequences in stride.
not saying you should knowingly offend. just to be conscious of how easily you can trigger people without meaning to, and use surprise triggers as a way to get to know people better and let them know you better, rather than always fear hurting someone unintentionally.
trying and failing is the way we learn. it works as long as we remember to learn from mistakes, and not repeat them a hundred times before considering a different approach.