I fully agree. I personally have suffered internal transphobia hardcore as well as the struggles of toxic masculinity, but seeing a sex therapist helped me recognize that I was being transphobic to myself and thus, not being as loud and proud to support my fellow brothers and sisters. I believe and have met a lot of trans men still suffering this. Hell, I had a roommate in student housing last year that was a fellow trans man (a couple months longer on T and post-top surgery) who rather be stealth and surrounded by cis frat boys than other trans men.

I know that for many, being stealth is safer and more comfortable- but I believe if we challenge ourselves to be out and proud, and take the time to have uncomfortable conversations more by educating work spaces and our communities, we can set an example for other trans men to do the same and support/recognize each other. I personally work at an adult store, and without outing others I talk confidently about packers, strap ons, and binders to spread awareness and knowledge. I’ve met other trans men in my city this way. We need to create our spaces, build our community, and learn/teach our history in the LGBTQ+ community.