It’s complex to be sure. Your article itself somewhat proves that point simply by its length and varying perspectives. I found it challenging because even when I listed myself as Transgender, men often didn’t bother to read my bio thoroughly enough to see that detail. I found myself having to ask if they had read my ‘entire’ bio. They would more often than not say, ‘no’ and then I would be forced to verbally tell them and suffer their reaction real time. Fortunately most were quite sensitive about saying that I wasn’t their preference, but even that became tiresome. As a post op trans woman, I couldn’t see why this detail was so damn important so I began leaving it out. This led to a few awkward disclosures later in the process where men were more shocked after they had begun to actually like me. Finally I found a guy who saw it as I do. More like having a large mole or birthmark somewhere not immediately apparent. We are two years in and this detail of my life has become significant only in that I have a past that includes a childhood and a significant adulthood presenting as a man. This means photos and friends who have known me as both. In other words I have a history that can never be entirely erased. It’s not my favorite thing to look at childhood photos so I find myself keeping my former life somewhat out of our relationship. Insensitive friends or family may accidentally bring things up about my past and that can lead to awkward moments, but fortunately my guy is evolved enough to move through them. My point is that, dating is one thing, but a long term relationship will require much more in the way of disclosure and acceptance. Ignoring our past isn’t entirely possible and must eventually be grappled with if we ever hope to form a long term partnership with anyone.