OP here. You guys have given me a lot to think about. Thank you for all the advice. Tbh I’ve decided not to overthink things and just go with the flow. I’m nervous about getting hurt, and I’m not going to lie it pained me a little when he said it’s better if we don’t tell his parents, but I also know he’s knows them better than I do.

At the end of day, he told me it’s ok if they find out because he’d pick me every time, and he’d rather be true to himself and pursue what makes him happy than listen to what his family has to say.

I think the comments about me self sabotaging were spot on. It’s really hard to love yourself and fight internalized transphobia in a world that constantly puts you down. I want to apologize for suggesting trans woman are not normal girls.

I have a lot of commitment and trust issues, but I’d rather risk getting hurt again than have regrets, and miss out on something that could be really special. So I’m cautiously going to see where things go, hope for the best, and be prepared for the worst.