While grocery shopping last Friday, another shopper looked at me and called out, “That’s a man!” I discuss the experience and pose a few related questions in this short video. Give it a look and share your thoughts!

I’m visibly transgender, meaning that to most people, I don’t appear entirely female. I’m easily read (as trans) and get started at a lot. I don’t like it, but I understand why people stare – I look very different than the kind of people they’re used to seeing. Even so, most people treat me with respect and dignity, or just ignore me. Every once in a while, something like this happens, and I’d like to know your thoughts on the matter.

The video (original recorded as a Facebook Live stream) generated some excellent discussion on Facebook and I’m hoping to keep the discussion going here. Or find me on Facebook and chime in there.

It’s an important discussion to have, especially when there’s so much misinformation about transgender people and what it means to be transgender. In the absence of knowledge, or to those who’s only “understanding” comes from anti-transgender political propaganda, it’s understandable why some people react with fear, transphobia and hatred.

In an educated, enlightened society, there will be nothing left to fear, and nothing to get in the way of people living authentically, without all the friction and drama. Humanity is infinitely diverse. In my book, diversity is mighty cool!

Differences are opportunities to learn something new about each other, and in doing so, become better informed, empowered people for taking the time to have done so. And I’m all about empowering humanity!

Namaste