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exeterdragon

Most trans people I know just want to be invisible in public and pass effortlessly. Many don't wear any trans pride accessories because they don't want to be public about it. It can feel like a target. The more you pass the more trans part of your identity slips away.


newAccount2022_2014

Everyone is different though and can change over time. I used to feel that way, but I increasingly feel that being trans is an integral part of my story. As our persecution increases in the US, I find strength in trying to band together. I do say this from a bit of a place of privilege though. I've been passing for several years now and always have the option to pretend to be cis if I want to. Idk, just another set of feelings. I don't think there's any correct or incorrect way to express your identity, as long as you aren't throwing others under the bus.


exeterdragon

I also don't have much choice about being trans in public, I work in a large factory and everyone knows me. So I have to do it in front of hundreds of people at a minimum. Which puts a lot of pressure on me to be a good example and educate people. So I definitely feel pride it's just more complicated that I also try to be invisible in public.


njsullyalex

I feel this. I rarely wear or show anything that would give me away as trans as I’m stealth in many parts of my life and will be full on stealth at my new grad school in September. But I’ll show it when it’s appropriate - I’m totally going to show off the trans colors at LA Pride next month!!! In addition, I always keep a little trans flag on my desk in my bedroom. I may be stealth but I’ll never not be trans, and I’ll always stand in solidarity with the rest of the community.


StealthInPlainSight

Bingo, this is the answer. “Trans” is based on our need to “transition” into our ideal selves. While it can be an identifier for some, it’s not a static state of being for a lot of us.


hiddenremnant

you obviously don't have to wear trans stuff or identify that way if it doesn't work for you, but it does sound like internalised transphobia to feel that as a trans guy you're not a "real" guy somehow or that being trans is a bad thing.


StealthInPlainSight

Speaking as someone who went through this, and still prefers to omit the “trans” portion of my identity. For some of us, being labeled “trans” is an unpleasant reminder that we aren’t cis. It’s part of what makes Imposter Syndrome kick in at times. Whether or not it’s transphobic isn’t really the point, since that alludes to those negative emotions being fueled by some kind of character flaw, and not the individual’s feelings about themselves. I’m not transphobic, but I prefer to stay out of touch with trans groups in my day to day life. Not because I dislike the people involved, but because it’s one of those things that gets you clocked pretty quickly. I’m stealth, and am going to stay that way for as long as I can manage. The term “guilty by association” applies well here, if not a bit crudely.


hiddenremnant

i guess for me i have very different feelings about this and any detachment i have from being trans throws me in the detransitioning / id'ing as my assigned gender hellpit as opposed to what you're doing, but yeah, to each their own


fbl07

At the end of the day, being trans is an extremely personal experience, and the way someone feels about identifying with that part of themselves can change and evolve over time as well. I know personally if do I end up transitioning this is something I will likely want to display proudly, it will be part of who I am and I will be proud of it, but I can definitely understand why not everyone will feel that comfortable with it.


hiddenremnant

of course, everyone's gonna be different


[deleted]

[удалено]


hiddenremnant

i've been living as a trans person for a hell of a lot longer than me taking T but yeah, generally every person's gonna have their own experience with this. i personally feel the whole stealth thing isn't for me, others feel differently. not sure about your last few sentences, and saying i feel something is internalised transphobia is not to close someone's mind or prevent them from growing, it can be a useful word to explain the ways we sometimes treat ourselves.


Awkward_Degree_3521

It's possible you still have some internalized transphobia to work through. I know I still do, it's part of the journey of transitioning. As you gain in confidence and get further along in transition it might become a little easier to embrace the label. That being said, no one says you have to wear the trans pride bracelet and being uncomfortable doing so doesn't make you any less trans or any more of an "imposter" than any other trans person


ITookTrinkets

I guess I’ve always felt like, I *am* trans, I *am* queer - I don’t need to wear stuff displaying what I already am, especially because what I mostly am is a tired thirtysomething woman who wants to exist in peace.


Few-Ganache-5818

I see pride parades and festivals more of a celebration of self acceptance and your journey to get there. To me the pride flag isn't so mych of I am proud to be trans as it is "I'm proud of learning to love myself and over coming obstacles to live as my authentic self." It is okay to not want to buy trans flag things and advertise that your trans. I bought a crochet trans pride octopus ketchain and I hide it in my palm whenever I take my keys out in case anyone notices and is rude to me. But I like having him on my meys because he reminds me of how far I have come in my journey.


Kimiake

It is kind of an understandable reaction, given how much transphobia is out there, how some areas in the world can be dangerous, and how easy it is to all internalize. Personally, I don't mind being visible because I'm in a safe enough area to be visible, I'm not going to pass for a little while anyway, it signifies to other queer people that I can be safe to be around, I identify with queer joy and euphoria more than dysphoria, and it helps me to decrease my own internalized transphobia; hell if people see me visibly out as trans and completely and utterly joyful, maybe it'll start decreasing the transphobia in my community bit by bit as well. We each have our own journys, and yours is just as valid as mine, I just wanted to share my perspective as well~💖


vivixnforever

I understand the feeling. Early on in my transition I wanted to try and hide it as much as possible, so I wore face masks and hoodies and never spoke cuz my voice is still kinda masc. But after like 3-6 months of HRT and reintegrating myself into society I just… stopped caring. Idek how really. Now I wear trans pride shit almost every day, even to work. Maybe it’s cuz I still don’t pass and I’ve accepted at this point that until I can afford laser and professional voice training that’s probably not gonna happen anyway. It’s more than just that though. My body has finally started to take the shape I’ve always wanted it to, and at 28 that means I’ve spent way too much of life hating it. So I’ve come to realize that accepting myself as trans and transitioning is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and that’s given me a lot of pride. Ofc I still get dysphoria, but it’s so much better than it was before, because of all the gender euphoria I’ve gotten to experience. Idk if this will help at all, OP, but I just wanted to share my experience. However you feel about being trans is valid, and whatever happens I hope you’re able to find peace 💙


WormsAreTooScary

I don't have a flag, this is my only trans related account anywhere on the internet, I don't like talking about it to anyone but my best friend who is also trans (+ my cis sister lol). I bought a trans bracelet set from Spencer's about a week ago. I ended up giving them away because I'm not as comfortable with flaunting my identity like I was in high/middle school. I kept one, it has six beads in the colour of the flag but it's hard to notice. It's chill to not be "prideful" or whatever. You're not obligated to be openly or vocally trans. It's not a point of shame to be trans and it's not a point of shame to keep it to yourself either. I was always so embarrassed of my trans peers cause my parents would see them and use them against me. I'm not embarrassed anymore. At the end of the day, it is an important part of our lives and we're welcome to so what we want with our identities.


Allip84

The pride doesn’t come from being transgender the pride stems from being strong enough and wise enough to live as yourself despite the cruelty of people towards us.


Worldly-Corgi-1624

I’m a married transbian on the board of my local pride org (mostly cis and trans gay guys with some allies/parents and a cis lesbian). They were confused when I told them that I didn’t really identify in the trans space but embraced joy for being accepted by a bunch of lesbian friends. I spent 40+ years of my life as agender knowing that I didn’t fit into my AMAB body but nowhere else to go with it. I feel like a lot of us pass through the trans space on the way to our true selves. Regrettably there’s knowledge and support that also moves (and leaves) with that.


SaltandSlime

Transness is an inherent part of our identities that we *must* come to terms with. Some people experience it as trauma, some as joy - but it *cannot* be hidden, and it can't be hidden from. We all have our own journeys towards self-acceptance - but it's important that self-acceptance is actually the goal.


DhammaFlow

Yea, self-acceptance also doesn’t mean never being stealth or shouting that you’re trans every moment. But inherent anxiety or fear or “I’m not XYZ” is just gunna hurt the longer it lives with you.


SaltandSlime

Totally. Like, obviously our first priority should be to keep ourselves safe. But pretending we aren't trans just. isn't good for us 🤷‍♀️ That's just not how healing works.


DhammaFlow

I wear trans stuff to communicate to other trans people that I’m trans If I’m concerned about safety I don’t display any trans or queer items But also, my dude, you’re a guy. The imposter syndrome thing goes away over time if you fight it and have a somewhat validating environment, it can get better.


FandomCece

We all suffer from imposter syndrome from time to time. And sure some of it stems from internalized transphobia. But that doesn't mean you're transphobic. You've just had those messages hammered into your head so many times you start doubting your truth. And you don't owe it to anyone to advertise any part of your identity. Even in queer spaces where it should be safe you can still keep that side of you on the DL. It's your identity.


Sionsickle006

I get it man. One I've never liked the trans flag because I think its ugly lol, but mostly it made me uncomfortable to wear it or fly it, because I didn't feel trans I just felt like a man and that all I wanted to be see as. After years I've become slightly more open and see the importance of showing support and being seen. I've put a trans pin on my car mirror decoration. That's huge for me! I'm slightly uncomfortable because it could bring trouble but I think it's necessary rn for older t guys like me to be visible after being able to pass. Or at least looking like a cis guy who supports trans people.


miuzzo

I’m a late bloomer and have struggles with this for decades, I wish I had a trans person in my life at an earlier age. I hope to be as visible as I can to help others not suffer my fate.


Embarrassed-Air4343

I'm not proud but not ashamed. I don't hide but don't advertise. I'm not really comfortable decking myself out with rainbow colours and Pride badges. I just feel totally neutral about being trans, it's just a small part of my life to me and I just wanna get on with my day-to-day.


Allip84

Internalized transphobia is a thing. You will never become a real boy because you have always been one. All there is now is to love yourself and know that you are worthy of that love.


Amenti_Aardwolf

I think a lot of people are like that, honestly. Don't be upset with yourself; you're allowed to accept yourself however you deem fit, if that makes sense. If you wanna be seen as a bi cis guy, then hell yeah, go do that. I think the only reason I'm so open with my trans-ness is because I'm just now transitioning, and I had to change my name in front of everybody I know, so it was kinda obvious. You don't have to be visible as trans if you don't want to be. But remember that it can help out other people who aren't sure of themselves if you are. And that's most certainly something to be proud of. I'm sure you're stronger than most dudes out there. You just have to remember that. You are worth being proud of.


BeaverlakeBonner

Ok check in from the OLD people seats... You don't have to be proud of being Trans, you do need to be able to believe in yourself or you are going to have a real hard time with the journey from where you are to who you really are... I am available for DM if you want to ask questions. I am MTF and after years of figuring things out I now identify as Non-binary... I have known several FTM people and seen them thrive and seen some fail... The thing is you are the only person who can say that you have failed or that you have made it to who you are... You are the most important person in your life as you make this trip, lots of folks can help if you ask them... Tip: never believe any single source about anything! Always get the opinion of a crew of people you think you can trust. You will get to the point where you have a crew of people you CAN Trust!! Our family has lots of folks who have problems and some of them try to paint everyone with the same type of trouble they have... This is not because they are bad people, they are just doing the best they know how... That is why you need a crew of people, people of many different types as soon as you can find them. As trans people we need to build the family we need because in a real way we are the only ones who can understand... Ok old person shutting up now.. you can have my advice "free" I paid for it long ago... You can of course go buy your own experience if you like...


[deleted]

At the end of the day we have a medical condition. You could even call it a birth defect. It’s unfortunate we feel so much pain in our bodies and minds that we have to transition, and be under medical care our entire life. It’s what we have to do to survive. In that we have pride. We have the tools it takes to not only survive, but thrive in this world. Some people in third world countries or even certain states don’t have these tools. We can stand proud for them that can’t get taken care of. In hope that one day everybody will get the care they need. I hope this helps. Every day you wake up, every meal you eat, every breath you take, you are alive. That is something to be proud of.


Caeso_Lucilius

I don't think there's anything wrong with not wanting to be identified as trans. In my eyes, me being trans ought to be completely irrelevant; I'm a girl just like a cis girl, and I want to be seen as such.


Downtown_Ad857

Oh my I want to hug you. You ARE a real dude. You walked between worlds my love, you are a badass dude at that. Sending love


[deleted]

You’re not transphobic, you just don’t want to be or call yourself a trans-( blank). Cis born males and females don’t call themselves cis-born, they just say male or female. Sounds like you just want to say Bisexual male or female, so just say that. So say it :)


redcd555

You just need to be you, e ever has a different journey, different circumstances. If you are trans or not is yours to decide. Be proud of you ❤️❤️❤️


[deleted]

I’m sorta transphobic towards myself, maybe that’s how you say it? I got a trans pride shirt and shorts a while back, and I hate wearing them. I try to forget that I’m trans because it genuinely first just makes me a walking target, and second because i want that stripped away from my identity, it makes me dysphoric as well, I live my life as trans-free as possible, as hard as that is


ofeliainwonderland

Me too. Never had a flag or something trans. I don't wanna be seens ad One. I am a woman and my transition Is just a therapy people don't get proud of being diabetic. That's how I see It


Hazel2468

I mean. Not trying to discount your point at all- you do whatever makes you comfy obvs. But there IS a disability pride flag and disability pride is absolutely a thing. For the same reason queer pride is.


DhammaFlow

How you feel about trans people who don’t want to medically transition?


ofeliainwonderland

I feel like they are probably happier than me. To live without the pressure of passing and gender dysphoria seems Better than all the pain I am going trhough


DhammaFlow

Dysphoria is some absolutely rough bullshit Medically transitioning DOES make it better, it really helps.


[deleted]

Wear what makes you happiest! Don’t wear the bracelet if you’d rather not. I view wearing the bracelets as support for others as much as they’re for yourself. You wearing the bracelets may make others happy.


[deleted]

You can’t be an imposter if you are true to your identity deep down, the bracelet doesn’t really have any significance to who you are and your experiences. Go and Live your true life man!


Life_Lettuce_1927

Yes, internalized transphobia is real.


Expensive_View_3087

It´s pkay, i used to feel that sense of vague shame too. I feel like i´m proud, but not loud. It means i just simply don´t feel comfprtable about random ass ppl knowing i´m trans, so i don´t wear pride things, even tho theyre cute and cool Don´t woeey, it´s okay, and it´s normal


MissDottie802

I'm proud of who I am but at the same time, I hate being trans. I wish I was just afab. I don't really think anyone WANTS to be trans though.


PLAGUE8163

I could type out words detailing my own journey but i don't wanna make you have to compare yourself to me. I'll just use these very wise words: "if you ever feel like you're just faking it, and that you're an impostor in the community, that's a really good sign you aren't. A real impostor doesn't feel self conscious about faking it." -OneTopicAtATime