All of my friends are either programmers or are in I.T. I’m a lowly handyman who just happens to be tech literate enough to get by.

Fashion is something I’ve never been good with (now thanks to google I know what a french tuck is), but I’ve tried to get out of my comfort zone wearing more form fitting clothes. As for making compliments, I never really know what to say to sound genuine. I make an effort to use pronouns that match how I think an individual is presenting, and using they/them when I’m not sure, but I’m nervous about invading other’s space, or accidentally drawing too much attention. My daughters are getting old enough to want their nails painted, so maybe I can let them practice on me and just leave it on a finger or two when I’m out and about. I’m working on having the courage to confront my family when they’re being bigots, but it’s much easier said than done obviously. As my daughters get older, I’ll have more courage to put my foot down, since I absolutely will not having my kids pick up my family’s judgemental ways.

I’ve had something I’ve been curious about, and I’m hoping an appropriate place to ask about.I’m a straight cis guy that grew up in a very conservative Christian house, and I’ve come a long way from who I was 10yrs ago. I’d consider myself an ally even though I don’t have any LGBTQ friends or acquaintances (not by choice, I just don’t get out much). I’d like a way to signal that I am a safe person, but am afraid of insulting people if I accidentally give the wrong vibe. I also dont want anything too overt to avoided the ire of my family. Im a big bald white guy with a beard, and I’m told I have resting angry face. I’ve noticed LGBTQ presenting folks that seem to get uncomfortable around me.

Is there a way I can signal that I’m a safe person without being too overt or sending the wrong message?