As a nonbinary person it feels uncomfortable when strangers perceive my partner and I as a straight couple,
But it's hilarious to me when they perceive us as father and son.
"Does he have his own luggage?" the agent behind the check-in desk asks brightly, making eye contact with my partner.
"Just carry-on," I say as I slide my driver's license across the counter toward her. Confusion dawns on her face. She glances up at me briefly before printing my boarding pass in silence.
"A soap making booth!" I exclaim. I've been to the renaissance faire a dozen times but I've never visited this shop. "Let's make soap!"
"First you have to ask your Responsible Adult for five dollars," says the vendor in a measured, singsong voice, and wags her index finger at me.
I look around, confused. Who is she talking about? Does she mean the young man trailing behind me? I turn back to her.
"I have five dollars ..."
"Well you still have to ask him," she smiles sweetly.
As I open my mouth to ask why, I suddenly realize she has misjudged my age by at least two decades.
"I'm older than he is," is all I can think of to say.
"Would you like a children's menu?"
"Sure, and if you're taking drink orders, I could also go for a Corona."
Hey op?
HOW???
I'm short