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transgender people are often treated as public spectacles, and Serano has received plenty of trans-related street harassment.

"Some of the scariest interactions that I've ever faced have occurred when someone who initially presumed that I was a cisgender woman subsequently learned that I'm transgender; the anger expressed in those situations was premised on the misconception that I had 'tricked' or 'deceived' them."

people also ask questions about "anything and everything potentially related to my being transgender, including my childhood, family dynamics, gender history, sexual orientation, medical procedures I may have undergone, and their potential 'side effects'. That last question is very common, as people really seem to want or expect there to be negative consequences to transitioning."

early on, she patiently answered questions. but she noticed that some people would repeat questions, seemingly without really hearing the answers.