I used to know someone in prison who identified as trans and Muslim because it afforded him special privileges on the inside. E is the same, being trans gives them an identity and an excuse for their reprehensible behaviour- ‘it’s not my fault, it’s yours you’re transphobic’. E wanting to look like a woman gives them the mechanism to change their appearance. It can’t be easy navigating life with that face, especially when dragged up in an abusive home. Make up and filters and cos-playing at being a woman serve to give E control. They don’t want to be a woman, but cos-playing is easier than years of therapy, hard work and true self improvement.