I feel like this was interesting in terms of societal commentary… The climax of the story was absolutely based on a transphobic trope, but I think it’s easier to read if you think about the way these women have been socialized and have experienced society. They have both had bad experiences with men, so they weaponize their presentation to survive in a sexist world. The main character uses social media to feel okay about herself — maybe compensating for the lack of approval she would get for being her authentic (lesbian) self. The gyaru has fundamentally changed how she dresses so that she can avoid harassment.
If we imagine that the “guy in a dress” was a well-meaning trans woman who misguidedly grabbed our protagonist’s wrist without ill intent, we can imagine that she is also trying to be her authentic self in a society that has strict rules for how women and men must look and act. Obviously, the outcome of that meeting would be a very upsetting experience for the well-meaning trans woman. But the main character also missed out on a potential friendship, and she will continue to go around in the world presenting a superficial and false version of herself to the world. She’ll keep believing that men are disgusting or whatever her belief is.
Ugh… lots of controversial issues here, but it’s also INTERESTING to me. This will nevertheless go on my favorites list.
