The "Man Card"

Something that my co-worker T has bantered about me with since I came out as trans is my "man card", in which I behave like a typical male. And I finally realized this morning that's what is partially grating on me about him. He's a stereotypical misogynistic cisgendered male, like many of the men in my warehouse. He views women as bodies rather than people and daydreams about getting "the cute ones" in bed. He criticizes my choices in fashion (nevermind that I have long-held a masculine style of dress). And, me being who I am, it pisses me off.

I think what pisses me off even further is the concept that as a man, I need to just "take it" and let the other person admit their mistake. Sorry, but in my book, that's being a pushover and a doormat regardless of where you fall on the gender spectrum. So, I stood my ground and got called a pussy because of it. Since when does standing my ground make me weak? Last I knew, it was a strength to be valued.

Also, the simple fact that I try to treat everyone with respect means that I'm more of a man than he could ever hope to be.