I'm just curious if anyone out there who has not transitioned/is not transitioning (let's define transition for this thread as anyone who was born as one gender but either lives full time as the opposite gender or is in the process of doing that) has experienced any specific issues or problems due to just being yourself. One example could be, someone born as male who wishes to wear more feminine clothing, makeup, have long hair, or someone who was born as female wearing male clothing, having short hair, etc. Could be things like mannerisms, hobbies, choice of job, socializing ... anything really that society may slap some gender stereotype on ... but that you do regardless because it's just you being yourself. Make sense? Also, any advice, tips, thoughts on dealing with other people if you have had issues?
Personally, the only time I've really felt this in my life was going to elementary school in the 80's. I wore boys clothing and shoes and there were kids that totally made fun of me/gave me a hard time. I also used to use the boys restroom which sent the teachers and principal into a tizzy haha. But I haven't really experienced any issues with people as an adult. I get the feeling that society is generally more forgiving to female bodied people who choose masculine things than the male bodied people who choose feminine things. But I haven't even really gotten any people thinking I was a dyke/butch lesbian either (which can be an assumption people make of apparent females who choose male clothing, activities, etc.).
I have felt some bias towards females in my life from certain males. Sometimes though with me it goes unnoticed since I don't consider myself female! But it was somewhat along the lines of, "Oh well women aren't any good at that" type of thing. I've also felt very weird when having to associate with a group of females. Since I don't think like them at all, it can be super awkward, and they often pick up on the fact that there's something "different" about me, but I don't think they can quite place it. I'm not a very good actor when it comes to social situations like that. Public restrooms can also be quite awkward. Depending on how I look, I've actually gotten women freaking out a bit or telling me I'm in the "wrong restroom"! And I never did understand the socializing women do in public restrooms. Even if they don't know one another. I had to endure a public restroom over the weekend where there was a line. It's like as soon as you get in the line, you're in some sort of social club where everyone is talking to one another and they try to drag you into it. Very odd.
Most of these types of things are just navigating social territory, but I think being oneself when you're trans/genderqueer/non binary can be challenging sometimes because of the expectations of society.
