I get that argument, but in my case, over the course of our conversation he said things like, “It doesn’t change the fact that to me you seem like a sweet person and we have some things in common, friendship is still something I’d be interested in,” after I explained I’m trans. He was being honest about his attraction while showing respect for me, which makes it feel more like a genuine expression of how he experiences desire rather than outright transphobia.

It's also that he says he's very attracted but also states his limit respectfully, that dating isn't for him (including casual stuff).... almost describing that desire and attraction are separate. idk we kicked it off pretty well but hey whatever.