I've been posting a lot about anti-trans stuff lately, which can be a huge bummer for many reasons, partly for the way it overshadows wonderful moments of trans people just being treated like anyone else. So, I have a nice memory for you this morning... (thread)

A few years ago, my friend @rpbp was at GW Hospital (she's recovered nicely now), and I went to visit most days during my lunch break. The entrance is next to the Metro and GW campus, so it's not unusual to see folks selling merch or generally hanging out.

Maybe the second or third day I went to visit her, I noticed five or six older gentlemen had a chess table set up and were playing each other, smoking, having a good time. And I love playing chess, so...

The next day I went, I stopped to watch a game.

When they finished, one of the older gentleman pointed his finger at me and said, "You want next?"

"Sure!"

It was a solid game and I hung in there through most of it, but he eventually got the upper-hand and kicked my ass. And then they started gently teasing my playing style like good friends would.

But here's what I really loved about playing with them...

I loved that these gentlemen were friends and were immediately affirming. I introduced myself, and without being asked, they used she/her pronouns.

When I came the next day to play, one said: "She's back!"

And to his friend: "Hey, this lady's good. You should play her."

It was really lovely to be in the company of a group of older men who were effortlessly welcoming. No special treatment. No pandering. Just being treated like any other person. These kind of interactions are unexpectedly healing.

Anyway, have a great week, folks!