if i had to take a shot in the dark i'd say it's just the feeling of being seen as an equal by the other half of society for once, but also not wanting the guilt-by-association that would come with being perceived as male full-time.

i've heard quite a few trans women say that their desire to _**not** be perceived as a man_ was also an incredibly powerful motivator all on its own. which, i definitely agree with that sentiment myself. but i also want to still have some weight to throw around in a moment of critical need. i want the right kind of people to feel safer around me, and the wrong kind of people to feel _**not** safer_ around me.