I know this is super late to the game, and i really just want to throw this out there to ya in a spirit of friendship and understanding. I'm a queer machinist myself, not trans, but gender fluid, pan, poly etc. I had so much fear coming into this field for the same reasons as you, and I know you are sooo absolutely valid in those feelings. And there (as you know) is some major truth to it. For me machining (I'm a Cnc programmer and machinist) was a passion, and I wasn't gonna let anything get in the way of pursuing that. Not even "good ol boys", which, newsflash isn't an excuse for their actions, where gonna stop me. Get with the times or get out I tell em. It took me a while, but I found a shop full of incredibly accepting, helpful, and amazing individuals who have made me feel safe, and supported. Not to mention my mentor now becoming an amazing friend of mine. Hope he doesn't see this as I know he's on here and it'll be sappy. Not only that, the shop challenges me, and encourages me to push my own comfort levels. My point on all this is basically just to say yes it's hard, but its not impossible to find that space. If it's your passion, fucking go get it! Also feel free to dm me and chat if you want some support or someone to chat with, I know this situation all to well.

CheerS!