Having experiences where others acknowledge and respect your gender identity can have such a positive impact on your confidence and overall mood. For me, going to brunch and being called handsome—despite not always presenting in traditionally masculine ways—felt incredibly validating. It reminds me that self-expression is complex and unique to everyone. Often, people think that to be correctly gendered, you have to fit a certain look, but that’s simply not true. In fact, I remember a time when I was out with friends, and even though I wasn’t binding my chest, someone still gendered me correctly. These small affirmations, like being called handsome or the right pronouns being used, can significantly boost how you feel about yourself throughout the day. They help create a more inclusive and understanding environment, especially for those navigating non-binary or gender-fluid identities. Using hashtags like #theyheshe helps connect with a community of people who share similar experiences and supports each other through the ups and downs of gender identity. It’s not just about words, but about feeling seen and respected for who you truly are. For anyone reading this, remember that your gender expression doesn’t have to fit a mold; what matters most is how you feel and owning that with pride.