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Advice for younger trans women who date cis straight men...

1) Leave the DL boys alone. They're the ones most likely to put you in harms way or become violent because of their own shame.

Don't let anyone make you feel like it isn't possible for you to be loved out loud & in the light.

2) Don't let the approval of men impact on how your see yourself or be validation for your gender identity.

3) If he cheats WITH you, he'll cheat ON you.

4) Never fall out with another sister over a man. Ever. Sisterhood over everything. Stick together.

5) There are good men out there, so don't settle for the scraps. Be with someone who lets you shine, someone who brings out the best in you and vice versa.

6) There are bad men out there, so protect your energy & be smart with who you give your time, mind and body to. Aim high.

7) You are not here to be an experiment or fetish for anyone.

8) Don't answer texts from boys who only message in the early hours.

9) Get comfortable being single. You are never 'alone' with the right friends and mentors around you. Build a support system outside of your dating life.

10) You are not a substitute for a cisgender woman. You a whole person, a whole woman and a whole human. Demand the respect you deserve.