Bravo! And thank you on behalf of the closeted many- every story told of finding acceptance is an encouragement to so many others.

As a practical matter, I have found that nearly everyone in the world is aware that there are lots of trans people around. I believe that a significant percentage of people also know that gender role norms are not centered around what is best for individuals.

The persistence of social enforcement is actually a testimony to how many people really would like more room to be who they are.

I find that overall people are going to be tolerant and polite. A few will be friendly. The minute by minute problem for observers of us is the cost/beneift calculation for each interaction with us. Being polite is safe, being friendly and complementing my dress is bold, but really can't be criticized.

And for me it is still good- compared to being in the closet. I am content, sort of, that people take a live and let live attitude and I can buy an apple without a hassle. I don't ask anyone to do anything special, and I don't act in ways that coul be triggering of fear or sexual emotions.

But still, I have found no riends who want to get together and have coffee. In man mode it would not be an issue- I know from experience. But in transwoman mode, being seen with me would mean.... too many questions which they are not ready to answer.

This is classic minority stress- experienced by anyone visibly classifiable as out of the accepted 'in-group' norms. For thousands of years this has been the case with respect to trans people. I think the current backlash is a kind of reversion to the norm after a brief and wonderful moment when it seemed like the trans identity could be recognized as part of the in-group.

Most important for me is knowing who I am, and then it is much easier for me to be compassionate towrards all those who are still afraid, and to see how subtly I can let them know it is safe to be friends with me.