Hey cis friends! I want to help you understand some stuff about the #trans experience that can be confusing (including to myself, before I figured out I was trans). FYI, this is intended as a 101 course, skipping a lot of nuance and detail.
Let's begin with terminology. "Trans man" means a man, frequently someone who was born with their body in the wrong configuration. Likewise, a "trans woman" is a woman. Don't overthink these. The term says who they really are, not who they were.
@taedryn@dice.campThe term "non-binary" means someone who doesn't fit comfortably into the "definitely male" or "definitely female" categories (frequently referred to as binary genders, since there are only two).
None of these terms indicate how you should address a person (though frequently they hint strongly). A trans woman can use they/them pronouns while sporting a beard, a non-binary person can use he/him pronouns in a frilly dress with obviously "female" body characteristics.
Gender and presentation and pronouns are all different things. Yes, it can be confusing, and that's ok.
If you have any doubt about how to refer to someone in your life, and you can't figure it out by context clues, it's usually fine to ask directly. I prefer the question, "What pronouns do you use?"
Ok, next up, some interesting body stuff (CW, engage!).
Frank discussion of bodies; hormone effects
Frank discussion of bodies; hormone effects
Frank discussion of bodies; hormone effects
@taedryn I had a rough idea of that, but I’m still tempted to explain it as, “It means you’re not Carol Danvers.” (Sorry.)