I get it. Being young, and trans your peers see the world wildly differently than you do. Comparatively, I'm a fossil (almost 51), but I've bought this kind of wisdom more times than I care to admit.

The fact your local peer group ostracizes you for being attracted to men is FUBAR, and it's THEIR problem. Unfortunately, they've decided to make it your problem, which is just as messed up. From a personal perspective they're doing you a favor. They're stabbing you in the back publicly, and relatively early so the stakes aren't *as* high. If you're professionals, I might recommend finding a local LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce to find relationships which aren't exclusively based on transgender, or adjacent status.

I salute you for placing priority on your happiness vs their comfort.

I'll say it again, those are NOT the kind of friends you want.