I'm also on the autistic spectrum, and am a woman with no resemblance whatsoever to my gender stereotype. But, at 43, I'm looking back on an upbringing that was during the days before trans was ever a thing.

It was hard enough to be a lesbian during that era, but I can only imagine how hard it must be nowadays, being told you must be trans because you don't somehow conform to someone else's preconceived concept of what your sex should be and should look like. Wow.

It makes me thankful that I was young during a different era, because I'm exactly the type of non-conforming female that would've been vulnerable to this brainwashing.

I respect your frankness and honesty. You sound very self-aware and articulate; I admire that. Best wishes to you.