Dealing with internalized transphobia: How?
I'm a trans woman, 21, just over a year on HRT, autistic pretty bad socially, work a male-dominated physical job and boymoding is getting difficult mentally.
Coworkers are all nice (to my face) but some are religious, those who asked me if I was a boy or girl expressed their disdain for the idea of transition after I assured them I'm a man.
I want to come out but I don't think I can handle the opposition. I'm worried they'll stop liking me, or worse, harrassment, violence
But I hate hearing my dead name, and big strong man bro boss bud, slouching and wearing clothes I hate to hide the changes from HRT.
Only women's clothing I let myself wear these days is a hoodie t-shirt and sweatpants when lounging at home, so that boymode doesn't feel so bad; some softcore repression.
I'm scared of losing the plausible deniability afforded by my button ups and cargo pants. If someone takes issue with my androgynity I can say of course I'm a man and then we're best pals.
I'm only talking about work here cos I don't go outside otherwise. I would like to, but I got no close friends, and unbearable anxiety in androgynous-to-female clothing. I'm even worried about people seeing me through the closed blinds on my bedroom windows.
I think my anxiety comes from all the transphobia I internalized over the years, but I don't know if I can even get rid of it. At this point I'm starting to think I'm too far gone. I can logically reason that there's nothing wrong with it and I'm valid and a woman but I feel so scared and ashamed of being trans.
How can I overcome the fear and shame around presenting female? I'd appreciate any thoughts
It sounds like you’re carrying a heavy burden, and I can really empathize with how difficult this must be for you. Your feelings of fear and shame are completely valid, and it’s understandable to feel anxious about coming out in such a challenging setting. It’s tough to balance the need for safety and acceptance with your desire to live authentically. When it comes to presenting female, maybe you can start small. Wearing subtle feminine touches—like jewelry or a specific color—might help you gradually ease into your desired presentation without feeling overwhelmed.