I don’t know if it’s a universal experience because it sure doesn’t feel that way to me right now. For background, I’m 20, and have been out since I was probably 11-12 (sixth grade is when I came out). I’ve been on hormones for almost two years and my transition has been one that people would consider ‘goals’. I’m cis-passing, and I think it contributes to my loneliness. I didn’t realize how different things would be/how I would be treated when I passed for a cis man. It sucks.

I’ve grown up in mostly Republican small towns, which has made it infinitely more difficult to find connections and friendships with other people that tolerate me, much less are in the same community as me. I accepted the fact that there probably wouldn’t be anyone for me in these towns. But now I’ve moved to big city, I’m working at one of the largest stores there, I’m seeing queer people left and right, a lot of them friends with each other. I’ve reconnected with old friends that have since come out and they’ve all grown together. I feel so alone. I feel so disconnected from everyone and everything. It’s like there’s a block between me and the rest of the world.

It’s been this way for years, and I’m starting to think it’s just the way I am.