I’ve always identified with and been attracted to women. In recent years, I’ve started to say I’m “trans-lesbian” because it seems to fit better than “straight male”. Though I’d prefer to have a female body, I do not experience dysphoria to such a degree that I feel the need to transition. I can live with my body as it is.

I’m much more bothered by the assumptions people make based on my appearance. I do not and will not conform to the stereotypical behavior assigned to “men”. If I suddenly, magically had a female body, I would not conform to the stereotypical behavior assigned to “women”.

The assumptions, based on stereotypes — narrow definitions of “normal” behavior — that’s where the trouble is. Changing the definitions doesn’t solve anything. The best possible future is one in which individuals are valued as individuals — no matter what they’ve got in their underpants.