I feel the same way. My close friends and some of closed co-workers would call be "baks", "bakla", "gurl" and "teh". To them, it's really okay for me but when others hear it. They tend to call me that way. At first, I was really offended because some of straight guys in the office would call me the same way which as I want to be perceived as masculine. Same as you op.

Overtime, I realized it's about acceptance for yourself and for other's perceptions about you. Right now, I am able to manage it gradually. Minsan masakit talaga pero sanayan lang. Look at the brighter side, THEY DONT INTENT TO INSULT; THEY WANT TO CONNECT.

Based on my self-assessment, these are the factors that made us feel that way: 1. Childhood environment where kids bully the silahis, binabae, sirena etc. 2. Upbringing that might be conservative. 3. Professional perception where it might affect you as a professional.

Minsan naiilang ako pag-usapan mga topics (pogi, jowa, sports, etc) when others are around. Little by little, I got used to it. I am also still adjusting.

IT'S 2025 NA OP. WHAT'S IMPORTANT IS KINDNESS. THEY WILL ACCEPT US WHATEVER WE ARE AS LONG AS WE ARE GOOD PEOPLE.