Respecting Your Preferences: Grooming Habits and Gender Identity

A fellow ftm recently told me he feels bad for wanting to shave his legs/armpits bc it feels "feminine", so I just want to tell you all as a reminder: Grooming habits have nothing to do with your gender. You are still a man if you want to shave, you are still a woman if you don't. My cis brother has shaved his legs and chest since he hit puberty, and not a single person has ever questioned whether or not he is a man because of it. Shave, don't, have long or short hair, being trans isn't about conforming to expectations, it's about being/looking like YOU. There's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to pass, but please don't feel like you need to micromanage yourself to be as "cis" as possible to be valid. Respect your preferences and do what makes you feel the most like yourself ❤