Post #2152552

2026-05-07 11:17 UTC

So, as an effort to unlearn shame, I'm working on being more jokey/flirty with select friends. But when I do, I go into an anxiety spiral and I realised last night what the reason for this is. It's internalised transphobia all the way down. The anti-trans conception of trans women, especially trans women who are attracted to women, is as some kind of predator - the myth of "men" trying to get into women's bathrooms etc. So, even light joke-flirting triggers my fear of being perceived as predatory, or an unwanted intruder into spaces where I'm not welcome. I need to work through this shame, especially if I want to actually be poly XD To my dear friends, thank you for supporting me through my anxiety spirals. To random people, this is NOT an invitation to flirt with me if we don't know each other. I will block you, and mock you mercilessly.

Replies (7)

@tiefling@bardicperspiration.club 2026-05-07 11:38

@therivercrow@bardicperspiration.club FWIW I'm the same level of awk w trans women as I am with everyone. And I'm the same lvl of okay and stuffs.

Open ##2152551
@SitaDulip@gamepad.club 2026-05-07 13:06

@therivercrow@bardicperspiration.club Just be you, and fuck what other people think. If someone doesn't want to take the time to understand you or your feelings, why waste time on them.

Open ##2156795
@jerbear@kind.social 2026-05-07 11:31

@therivercrow@bardicperspiration.club I understand shame very well. I think it's admirable you are making an effort to overcome shame, because it is an awful emotion that imprisons us and holds us back from being our most beautiful selves. I hope you are able to free yourself from your inner critic voice.

Open ##2400261
@Willow@chaosfem.tw 2026-05-07 13:06

@therivercrow@bardicperspiration.club The struggle is reeeeeeal.

Open ##2400265
@robinthewitch@bardicperspiration.club 2026-05-07 13:37

@therivercrow@bardicperspiration.club YOU'RE HOT!! (plsdontblockme❤️)

Open ##2400273
@ghost_bird@weirder.earth 2026-05-07 15:22

@therivercrow@bardicperspiration.club :blobcattransheart:

Open ##2400278
@DodoTheDev@front-end.social 2026-05-07 20:46

@therivercrow@bardicperspiration.club Ouch, that's a tough realisation. But well done in working it out. I'm sure you'll work it out and be able to flirt as many of us do soon: awkwardly and with a small amount of cringe (that _is_ how everyone feels, right? Anyone?)

Open ##2400280