Transgender - effect on table image?
I have a kinda odd question, that I signed up just to ask.
How do you think players view a non passing transgender woman at the table? I usually play in a chill and friendly home game, but would like to play at the casino. Obviously I'll get ****, that's just life, but do you think I'll get extra action? I don't expect people to softplay me like they do with cis women, but maybe they'll tilt more when I beat them? Anyone have any experience?
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I have a kinda odd question, that I signed up just to ask.
How do you think players view a non passing transgender woman at the table? I usually play in a chill and friendly home game, but would like to play at the casino. Obviously I'll get ****, that's just life, but do you think I'll get extra action? I don't expect people to softplay me like they do with cis women, but maybe they'll tilt more when I beat them? Anyone have any experience?
This is a really old thread but I came across it and decided to join in order to answer the question. I'm sure Joan is happily playing, there are probably some trans people reading this who are a little scared to sit down at a table. I began my transition about a year and a half after this thread was created. On that day I also began playing poker tournaments at Foxwoods in Ledyard, CT.
There were a few times during that drive down the interstate that I almost turned around and headed back home. Thankfully I didn't, because what I discovered was that no one really seemed to care and they saw me as just another person who liked to play poker. I never really noticed people playing differently against me than they would against any other player at the table. I did notice the acceptance that I received and since then have made quite a few friends at the poker tables.
This is a really old thread but I came across it and decided to join in order to answer the question. I'm sure Joan is happily playing, there are probably some trans people reading this who are a little scared to sit down at a table. I began my transition about a year and a half after this thread was created. On that day I also began playing poker tournaments at Foxwoods in Ledyard, CT.
There were a few times during that drive down the interstate that I almost turned around and headed back home.
After reading this and probably having played tournament(s) with you at Foxwoods (as that was my home base for tournaments until Covid hit) my guess is that I didn't even realize that you were trans. I'm glad you have made friends and that you were accepted as part of our poker community. For me one of the things I care about the most is making the environment fun and friendly so people will come back to play.
Apparently I saw you as a woman who liked to play poker.
So Joan (OP) I take back what I said about you. I doubt I would have realized you were trans because I don't focus on adam's apples, especially when I am playing. I would have assumed you don't bluff much until I actually saw you bluffing much. In other words I would just assume that people are going to treat you as a woman with all of their stereotypes and behavioral habits. I am curious though, as to how it went for you.
Anyone who stands out, for any reason, is going to draw my attention to see if there is some behavior I can take advantage of. Beyond that, I just don't care, except for people acting inappropriately in a public setting.
As long as you don't act like somebody who believes marijuana is the cure for everything; crossfit enthusiast; bitcoin player; or vegan who just won't shut the f up about their passion I don't think most people would care much.
Related, a joke. A vegan, crossfitter, and bitcoin player walk into a bar. How do you know which is which? Don't worry, they will let you know.
I have been thinking about this a bit
Here are my beliefs
1. The vast majority of players won't care, they will be focused on how you play
2. If the talk turns to politics or social issues, most of the players will not engage, and would likely try to shut up the one or two people at the table who will try to make it an issue
3. Socially, while a trans person would make people uncomfortable, having the context of poker gives people an easy framework for interaction, so that will make it easier to interact
Now, me personally, if I were playing a trans individual, I would make the following adjustments in my reads (justified or not)
1. I would give them more credit for being self aware and introspective, so I would think that they may be more aware of how they are playing and or if they are tilting
2. I would give them more credit for being aware of their image and body language. The trans individuals I know well (a small number, 2) have spent a lot of time and energy in changing their appearances and how they present. This includes awareness of , and reworking of, their mannerisms.
I do play in North Texas\Southern OK, so this region is fairly transphobic. But I do think this is really just a vocal minority, and most people don't care. I also think that these transphobic individuals are usually too cowardly to say anything unless they are sure that they will be supported by the mob. So I think that, by and large, a poker game is focused on poker, and the fact that someone is trans will be just one more data point when players are trying to make a read.
