Now that I’m able to go back out a bit, I feel really embarrassed because I look rough as hell. My hair is falling out, I’ve got bad oedema so I’m swollen and puffy, my skin is destroyed, all red and covered in eczema and various infections. Yesterday in the supermarket I got mistaken for a man, and it’s not even the first time it has happened. A little kid was blocking my path and her mum said, “Mind out of the way, a man is trying to get past.” I’ve had a shop attendant previously say “here you go, sir,” when handing me my item. I’ve had random strangers loudly make fun of the way I walk (I have problems walking since having a stroke) and an older couple even laughed and made fun of me after one of my foot surgeries because I was wearing plastic shoe cover bags on my feet instead of shoes.
I just feel so embarrassed going out at all but I hate being stuck indoors.
I would recommend listening to some music if you can use ear buds or something when you are out. It will help with tuning people out and help focusing on when you are anxious.
I would try to view people when out not worth worrying about as It’s likely you won’t see them again. They also don’t know you whatsoever.
I can’t give you advice on being misgendered other than people misgender others quite a bit based on appearance by mistake or if they’re shitty people. Low self esteem will have it hit harder.
I am genderless and don’t care for pronouns so I can’t give you better advice, I’m sorry.