I think one of the tougher parts of being trans is that we still have to exist in a society with other people.
Every minute of the day subconsciously we perceive others and in a split second take short cuts of assigning them categories so we can get through the day.
When suddenly someone’s split second perception assigns you in the wrong category it can really really hurt. I get why your friend would get upset since I’ve been in that place.
At the end of the day I agree with you that what matters most is living on your own terms and having the community you’re a part of be cool with your gender.
Also hi!