Because many of us don’t view ourselves as having ever been the other gender. I was never male, but I was strongly encouraged by society to present and act as though I was so I did. It’s not “painful” it’s incorrect and a frustrating assumption.

It makes it sound like I either chose to switch, or something happened that switched me. Neither are true. I have ALWAYS been female, I just didn’t allow myself to show that to anyone outwardly until I transitioned.