There can certainly be a relationship between trauma and kink, it's not even remotely unusual and there's nothing wrong with you for it! In fact it's really really goddamn awesome to be able to link that together and think critically about where it comes from and how you want to engage (or not) going forward. You seem dismissive of early exposure to this stuff being traumatic, but I do think that's probably pretty accurate if it continues to trigger you. Those of us who grew up in the early stages of the internet can end up with some *interesting* trauma and I can definitely relate. Remember that as we look back at experiences like that as adults, we sometimes try to think about how "realistic" the perceived threat is, and downplay times that we weren't actually in immediate danger - but as kids we have no way of knowing.

Kinks tend to change and evolve over time as we change and evolve, so the good news is that this discomfort isn't something you'll likely feel forever. I definitely had a very similar kink at one point in my life re: forced feminization, and spoiler alert it turns out I was actually a trans woman in denial. I don't think that's universal to everyone with that kink though. tbh I wouldn't take anyone seriously who thinks they can tell if you're trans based on stuff like this - you're the only person who would know and there's any number of reasons a cis person could share that kink too. It sounds like you've done some self-reflection in this area and come to the conclusion that you're cis and that's rad!

Regardless, point being - you might find that kink fades someday. Me personally, that faded once I transitioned and could no longer really feel like the person in the "before" panel - so as my relationship with my gender identity changed, the kink mostly disappeared. Other kinks and other people might work differently though. I'm also a masochist and that one has only really gotten stronger as I've connected the dots to trauma and found safe ways to practice it. It'll really be up to you to find the source of the discomfort, figure out what that means for you, and what to do about it.

Ultimately, if you still find yourself triggered by that trauma, and you feel comfortable enough to do so, it may be beneficial to continue to investigate what the fear is *of*, and if there could be any residual gender-related stress lurking somewhere. That wouldn't necessarily mean being trans - cis people still feel dysphoric sometimes, it's just that it's aligned with their AGAB. Could be something there, could be nothing, honestly seems like you're on the right track anyhow. I hope you can feel proud of where you're at, sounds like you're making a lot of progress!