Transgender survival tip no. 19

Getting bashed is WRONG and not something you forget. But it will pass and you may ultimately grow in strength from it.

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My own experience

I was at an all boys school. I was never seriously beaten up at school but got pushed around plenty. Why?

I was always competitive and did well academically, got on to some school sports teams, etc. That sort of positive drive was seen as ok. I was also willing to defend myself physically.

But I refused to go along with the macho aggression that some wanted to dish out. On that score, it was black and white. Either you were the on the side of violent stength - or at very least pretended to go along with it - or you didn't. In which case you were regarded as a legitimate target. I didn't go with it and suffered the consequences.

I have seen the same dynamic operate in institutions, not least in all-male offender institutions. It seems almost innate; and hard but not imposible to counter.