I will never forget the day I was walking around and saw someone with a trans flag patch on their jacket. Wanting to provide Trans Solidarity, I walked up to them. And then my brain froze.
“I like your… vibe” I said. I’m pretty sure I said some other words too. It was as awkward as it sounds. They were baffled. I wondered why I didn’t just compliment their haircut or outfit like I do with everyone else who gives off queer vibes.
I then gave them a thumbs up and very awkwardly speedwalked in the opposite direction. I never saw the person again. Sometimes I wonder if they remember that interaction. Probably not.