I've heard it called TG-dar before. Basically I've caught myself looking at other people and thinking "I bet she's trans." And then I'm like "What the hell is wrong with you?!" First, just because a woman is tall, broad shouldered, has large hands and feet, and a whispered voice doesn't necessarily mean she's trans... And second, if she is trans, it's certainly not going to make her day if she catches me stealing glances while trying to read her.

But I still find myself doing this all the time. Seriously, WTH is wrong with me? I almost wonder if I'm doing this in part so that I can feel like there's more people like me around. I mean there is a desire to connect with people like me, but that is what my support group is for--not at work or while out in public.

Anybody else find themselves doing this? Or am I just a big dinklehead?

I'm not passing up an opportunity to call someone a big dinklehead! You're a people-watcher, but don't stare, anyone is going to be uncomfortable with that. And we all know, you can feel it when someone is staring at you. Hugs, Devlyn

Dinklehead??? That's a new one. I wouldn't worry too much about it. I do the same thing with the trans part plus a whole list of other things. I believe it is perfectly normal for people to steal glances at others and just wonder about them. So.. in short answer no there is nothing wrong with you but on the other hand someone that uses the word "dinklehead" I refuse to comment on.

I'm definitely a dinklehead, guilty of this. Although I do try and be subtle, to avoid drawing attention to either of us.

I find it helpful actually. Trying to learn from others is great. Eg, the lady I noticed yesterday was kinda attracting attention by wearing a mini skirt and showing leg, on a cold winters' day. Didn't help her to blend.

Quote from: sam79 on July 16, 2013, 02:21:38 PM
I'm definitely guilty of this. Although I do try and be subtle, to avoid drawing attention to either of us.

I find it helpful actually. Trying to learn from others is great. Eg, the lady I noticed yesterday was kinda attracting attention by wearing a mini skirt and showing leg, on a cold winters' day. Didn't help her to blend.

You didn't say dinklehead. 

No such thing as a "thought crime". Only actions matter. What goes on in your own head as you watch people is your own business.

I do this a lot, and I just can't stop myself. I'm always wondering if someone is trans or not, and I think it has to do with how you said you want a connection. I think that's why I do it. That, and hoping to find someone like me to encourage me and make me feel like I'm not alone. I honestly don't know if it's okay or not, I'd say don't stare too long and draw attention to yourself, or them.

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on July 16, 2013, 02:25:06 PM
You didn't say dinklehead. 

Fixed. Apologies 

I always do this. It's natural, for me at least. I tend to analyze people as it is. So when I'm sitting in any kind of restaurant on my lunch, like now, I watch everyone. I don't stare, I just glance around in a subtle manner. All people do this, only difference is we are looking for people kinda like us.

Idk? I guess not odd. It's normal to look for someone with common interest as you

I do that as well whenever I do happen to go out. I'm too much of a shut-in for that to happen often. Though I don't stare so much as play a mental game of "guess the LGBTMORELETTERS"

At the end of the day, I couldn't care one way or another if another person is trans.  What's going to happen?  If they are a stranger and I'll never see them again, it really doesn't have an impact on my life either way.  We all look for similarities, it's common, but sometimes we read too much into things.  Trans or not we all have things in common, including physical traits, and differences. 

Nonetheless, I don't think you are being a dinklehead,lol. 

If the recent statistics are correct, or at least represent a good estimate, then approximately 1 out of 333 people are transgendered.

But you would be hard press to identify a transgendered person by looks alone, unless the gender presentation did not match, in some way, their sexual image.

I do that all the time. >.<

There's nothing wrong with it, looking at someone and trying to figure out if they're trans in your mind does not make you a terrible person.

Looking at someone is fine, Staring on the other hand could be considered rude.  Would you want unwanted attention brought on you because someone was staring at you?

Its way more fun to wonder what their genitals look like...

Quote from: Jamie D on July 16, 2013, 06:11:42 PM
If the recent statistics are correct, or at least represent a good estimate, then approximately 1 out of 333 people are transgendered.

But you would be hard press to identify a transgendered person by looks alone, unless the gender presentation did not match, in some way, their sexual image.

Wow... Just wow....

Quote from: Jamie D on July 16, 2013, 06:11:42 PM
If the recent statistics are correct, or at least represent a good estimate, then approximately 1 out of 333 people are transgendered.

But you would be hard press to identify a transgendered person by looks alone, unless the gender presentation did not match, in some way, their sexual image.

Transgendered, as in the umbrella term, or transsexual, as in someone who's undergone steps to change their outward appearance?  I could easily believe the first, but I'm definitely the only transitioner in my area.  I've heard rumors of a transguy in a neighboring town, though (which probably goes to show how I would know about this sort of thing, given how rumor heavy my little village is).

I used to think I had that until I found several that I was 100% positive were trans that were cis. Lately it's even worse for me because everybody I see looks androgynous, which I guess isn't necessarily a bad thing when it comes to courage to walk out the door.

I can't help but wondering...Sorry, just human, I guess.