But the combination of this little disarmingly cosy moment with the knowledge that… it’s Trans Day Of Remembrance.
(And it’s something I very much know and feel in the cells of my body today.)
And she turns to her children and says “some people aren’t… there’s not just he or she some people are they, too, and… would you say you identify as a bit of both? Or not?”
And I say “oh, neither”
And the mum bless her sorta notices me properly for the first time and says “I’m probably being really rude, but are you she a he or them?”
I meekly let out a “them”
I’ve shrunk into a corner and I’m determined not to speak. If I speak, I get found out. I’ve been called a lady and no one’s argued and I don’t want anyone to argue. Stay silent. If I speak I get found out.
Anyway. So this little kid, he’s bumping his foot into mine by accident. And his wife is like “careful ! You’re hitting the lady”
I don’t mind. I smile slightly.
She refers to me as “the lady” twice.