I had a phone meeting with a human rights lawyer the other day, and before the call I looked her up on her law firm’s website.

I thought to myself, without really thinking about it, that it was nice I would be having a conversation with a lesbian.

In her photo, she wears grey hair cropped short, dresses in conservative businesswear that is not traditionally feminine.

Butch looking in a professional, powerful sort of way.

I had a nice conversation with her, strategizing about something we’re both working on.

Then at the end of the call, she identified herself as a transgender woman.

I mean, I wasn’t shocked, but that’s not what I assumed based on her gender expression in her photo.

I think that’s maybe a good example of why we should not assume things about gender expression and gender identity.