Masking will prevent harm that directly coincides with who you are. It creates a defensive layer.
The het expectations are nowhere near as bad as the risk of harm, physical or emotional, and you can’t convince me otherwise when there are over 70 countries where my (and assumedly your) existence results in the death penalty…
As for the mental prison argument, that’s just life… You can’t live life with the expectations that things will go your way, and actively harm yourself with negative outlooks.
As someone who essentially does the same thing you mentioned about being open to select individuals in my circle, your view is kind of astounding.
I do mask, and so do many people, who are probably happier for it.
I would live in a prison of anguish if I was openly gay and every stare at work or in public could mean judgement or something derogatory.
Masking will prevent harm that directly coincides with who you are. It creates a defensive layer.
The het expectations are nowhere near as bad as the risk of harm, physical or emotional, and you can’t convince me otherwise when there are over 70 countries where my (and assumedly your) existence results in the death penalty…
As for the mental prison argument, that’s just life… You can’t live life with the expectations that things will go your way, and actively harm yourself with negative outlooks.
As someone who essentially does the same thing you mentioned about being open to select individuals in my circle, your view is kind of astounding.
I do mask, and so do many people, who are probably happier for it.
I would live in a prison of anguish if I was openly gay and every stare at work or in public could mean judgement or something derogatory.