I am intersex but identify as a boy. A lot of people mistake me for a girl, despite the fact that I have short hair and a flat chest. It doesn’t help that my name is unisex and my voice is high-pitched. I work at a superstore as a cashier.
Old Man: “Thank you, [Female Version Of My Name]!”
Me: “Actually, it’s [Male Version Of My Name], but that’s okay.”
Old Man: *Stares* “Are you sure?”
Me: *Chuckles* “Yes, I’m sure.”
The old man blushes and leaves. A few days later:
Manager: “We had a complaint about you.”
Me: “Really? What did I do?”
Manager: “A man said you called him stupid on Monday.”
Me: “No, I didn’t. He called me by [Female Version Of My Name] and I told him it’s [Male Version Of My Name]. Check the cameras if you don’t believe me.”
A couple of days later, I’m helping a woman with her items at the till.
Woman: “Is your name [Female Version Of My Name] or [Male Version Of My Name]? I can’t tell what you are.”
Me: “It’s [Male Version Of My Name].”
Woman: “That isn’t right. You look like a girl. Your chest is flat, though, and your hair is short, so you must be one of those tomboys.”
Me: “No, ma’am, I’m not a girl. I’m a boy.”
The next day:
Manager: “We had another complaint about you. A woman said you insulted her.”
Me: “I didn’t insult anybody; I was the one insulted. Check the cameras again.”
Today, I went into work, and there’s a sign stating that “Any abuse of staff or false complaints will not be tolerated.”