I didn't know you were trans!

This is all too common occurrence in my life:

Them "So, what are you studying?"

Me "I am studying Transgender youth in high schools"

Them "Oh! I didn't know you were trans!"

...

What am I supposed to say? "Well, actually, I'm not trans...."

It is not that I'm offended by someone thinking I'm trans. I don't have the "Oh my god do I look like a guy" moment. Luckily, I am comfortable enough in my gender identity to not experience such shallow responses.

What offends me, however, is that people believe that allies would never have an interest in trans youth. It is as if I, as a cis person, should have far too many important things on my plate to concern myself with those people. Only Transgender identified individuals really care about those issues.

Ridiculous.

I count myself extraordinarily lucky to have been a part of the lives of trans youth. These youth are incredible, and I am just a small part of their growth. They, on the other hand, are a HUGE part of mine.

In fact, I believe I have a duty as an ally to stand up for them. Not speak for them; but be a resource to other allies who are too afraid or transphobic to speak to the youth themselves.

And no, I'm not trans.
But thanks for the assumption.