Had a very weird encounter this morning with one of the tenants in a neighboring apartment building.

When I have to park on the other side of our block I cut through a neighboring apartment courtyard as a shortcut, this morning I did the same thing, but as I was crossing the alley to get to that courtyard there was a woman pulling out of their parking. She wasn't signaling so I couldn't tell if she was turning left or right so I just kept walking straight. She apparently took offense at this because she immediately got pissed and rolled down her window then started harassing me about how I shouldn't do that, whatever that is, as well as how I shouldn't cut through their courtyard. Fine great whatever I'll stop if it bothers them so much.

I mostly ignored her and just kept walking without stopping, but after I got to my car and before I could pull out she boxed me in and started either recording or taking pictures. I rolled down my window and gave her a little wave and a smile and she started harassing me further about how I'm very rude (I actually try to make the least amount of noise possible when I cut through, as their gates will slam shut if you let them) and how she could have hit me (she clearly saw me and again, didn't signal which way she was going to turn) and how I'm probably the person who has been stealing their packages (I was very confused about this and obviously immediately denied this) and how she's going to tell my apartment complex. Cool great whatever now I have to deal with this later as well as the increased anxiety I'm going to feel about having to park around the area.

But then just as she was starting to drive away she decided to lob a transphobic comment at me.

On one hand how fucking dare she.

On the other hand, I'm full boy mode, like stubble growing in with sweats and a hoodie on. The only possible gender marker was my hair length and style? idk i kinda just tussled it gently after showering this morning and i'm in one of them liberal coastal states where long hair on guys isn't out of place.

How did she know chat?

I partially consider this a win if she read me as some kinda queer femmy boy thing just from my hair and face all things aside.

Also ngl I'm finding it like wildly affirming- my first public, in-person transphobic interaction.