00:00There is this misconception that, okay, no, you know, transgender people or LGBT people are only available for sex.
00:07I think it's high time where a cisgender person understands that transgender people is not your one-stop sex fetish shop.
00:15There's a huge misconception that a guy who dated a transgender is gay.
00:22We have online apps where we can swipe and find different people around us and in our surroundings.
00:33So I've been trying to date through the online apps and websites at times and it has been quite a journey to find the right partner because it's not easy as it looks.
00:47It's a tricky situation. I've tried my luck to find one in my social circles but it hasn't really worked out.
00:55Now it's so much better. Like you see so many people finding relationships, finding partners, finding dates and I think that that's amazing thanks to social media, thanks to apps that have come out.
01:08There are so many trans or LGBT-friendly social spaces or dating apps where we can socialize.
01:15So I think the avenues are increasing because of the awareness that the world is going through regarding a transgender person.
01:22So, you know, people are getting a little more aware than how it was earlier.
01:26My first date I remember was during my early days of my transition which is five years back.
01:33I was scared because I stepped out of my house and I sat in the guy's car to, you know, we were planning to go somewhere and have some coffee
01:42but I was so scared because he would have so much of weird questions about, is your boobs real?
01:48Have you had a surgery? I mean that really made me uncomfortable and I think that's really wrong.
01:55So I would sit for disaster.
01:57Even with the rise of trans or LGBT-friendly cultures, I think the mentality of the people still remains stagnant and this needs to be changed.
02:08I just know for a fact that dating for a lot of people is also very difficult
02:12because a lot of people have these preconceived notions as to what they want to see in their partner.
02:16There are certain cisgender people whom I have dated and have met and they are open to dating transgender women
02:24but taking into the situation as a whole, I think the ratio is not that strong because people are still not aware who a transgender person is
02:37and that is exactly where the education is still lacking behind.
02:39There is this misconception that, okay, no, you know, transgender people or LGBT people are only available for sex
02:46and let me just tell you, that's not the case. It's 2021 and you need to wake up and smell the coffee.
02:56It surprised me that people still don't know the difference between trans, gay men and lesbians.
03:03They like to put us in the same box.
03:06I think it's high time where a cisgender person understands that transgender people is not your one-stop sex fetish shop.
03:14When a cisgender person goes out to meet another woman, I'm sure that he would not get into her bra and panties on day one.
03:22It takes its own process to understand the same with transgender women.
03:26I think most of the time, I have been on a dating app and gotten unmatched the moment they become aware of my trans identity.
03:35There was a lot of instances where I've been looked down upon, asked weird questions or went to a public place
03:41and I would just feel so uncomfortable, be it just basic mal.
03:44There's a huge misconception that a guy who dates a transgender is gay or bisexual
03:53but dating us doesn't make them any less hetero.
03:56So it is very important for people to understand that a man likes a man who is supposed to be a gay person.
04:03A man who likes a biological woman and a transgender woman is very much straight.
04:08I have been ghosted, rejected because of my identity because it's such a weird world that we live in
04:15because people just will judge you for anything that you do and that is not in the mainstream of the society.
04:22So I believe that I will take my own time to understand and feel that comfort zone where I'm able to share about my transitioning days.
04:31The hardships I've gone through to be who I am as a person.
04:35So I think it's all about the mental bond and how the situation is.
04:39If they are genuinely curious to know about gender and sexuality, then I'm always ready to help them or educate them
04:48but there are so many guys who ask vulgar or inappropriate questions which I really don't want to entertain.
04:56As much as the idea of having relationships sounds wonderful, I think it is really important to be self-sufficient and show love to yourself.
05:08And if you are really looking for a partner, look for someone who loves you for who you are
05:16and who embraces your gender identity or trans identity wholeheartedly.
05:22To all my beautiful trans sisters, do not look out for the partner.
05:27That partner will come and knock your door someday.
05:30Don't think that everybody out there has a prejudice or will stereotype you and not date you because you're transgender.
