A Conversation on Breasts, Beards, and Binaries
Gender dysphoria is robbing me of my birthright
Content note: Medical issues and (by some interpretations) partial nudity.
Yesterday, I was walking home from the bus stop after a lab appointment for my biweekly testosterone injection. It was the first sunny day in what seemed like weeks, and I was uncomfortably warm: In addition to the short-sleeve shirt I was wearing, I had my usual tank top underneath to make my breasts less noticeable without resorting to a sports bra or binder.
My breasts aren’t particularly large, but as I’ve gained some weight, they’ve become more difficult to conceal, even with added layers. I haven’t worn any kind of bra since I transitioned five years ago, and binders are out of the question; the one time I tried to put one on, I had a panic attack. I simply hate the feeling of constriction.
So as I was walking, bra-free, on this warm day, a woman heading the other direction stopped about 20 feet away and stared. I murmured “hi” as I neared but kept walking, hoping she wasn’t going to ask for directions (which I’m terrible at) or anything else. As I approached, I heard her say with quiet astonishment, “It’s a man.”
I hurried past, flustered. Had I misheard her? I did not want to ask for clarification; I…
