> 2) Many people aren't aware that what they've experienced lines up with trans identity or gender dysphoria until they encounter someone else who's experienced the same thing (whether in person or in the media).
This is probably true. But I rather suspect that the reverse is also true. Many trans people don't realise that their feelings and experiences line up with lots of people who are happily cis-identifying (but were perhaps raised in an environment that was more accepting of gender-nonconformity).
I don't doubt it! I personally spent a long time trying to figure out if I was really a trans woman or simply an effeminate man, and believe me, things would have been easier (though not easy) and a lot less expensive if I were the latter. Also, as someone who experienced bullying in grade school for appearing to be an effeminate cis boy, I'm sure that a more accepting environment benefits everyone.
> trying to figure out if I was really a trans woman or simply an effeminate man
As someone who has also thought about this a lot, I'd be interested in what conclusion you came to about what the difference is between a trans woman and an effeminate man. The only differences I have been able to come up with are:
1. Dysphoria specifically about the body and/or a desire to change one's body
2. Different views on what gender is (i.e. if you believe gender is performative then you might consider yourself to be a woman whereas someone else with the same personal experience of gender but who views gender as physical might consider themselves to be a man).
Based on you saying deciding you are trans has been expensive, I'm guessing you might fall into category 1? But I'd be particularly interested if you have in mind any differentiating factors that aren't on my list.
This is probably true. But I rather suspect that the reverse is also true. Many trans people don't realise that their feelings and experiences line up with lots of people who are happily cis-identifying (but were perhaps raised in an environment that was more accepting of gender-nonconformity).