* *Trans Experiences: The story of the Kiwi, being misgendered, and of chicken pies **
A week ago I was misgendered in a local butcher's shop buying a pie. This is so rare now! The bloke was a Kiwi who knew me pre-transition and hasn't seen me in ~3 years. I was called "mate", likely from prior voice familiarity. I didn't confront on the spot as I sensed a pure accident, a slip
My first reaction? Ouch! Of course was I don't want to go back there
I mull it over, as is my wont
I decide I WILL go back this morning, pre-armed with my ferociously femme glasses and a withering pre-prepared line in mind
I walk in
He sees me and immediately says "Hello, young lady". He is over-polite
He knows he got it wrong before. I know it too 💜
I accept his undoubted "lady", smile back pleasantly at the more dubious "young"
And by going back, I reclaim that space, lose not a drop of trans agency or my pride :Fire_Trans: I will be myself, neither weak nor meek
Plus, they *do* make cracking pies 🤔