As a trans woman, I don't see HRT being pushed as the only way to be trans. I think the vast majority of us recognize that there are many different paths people take. I have a friend who can't take HRT because of blood clotting issues they have, and they are still 100% valid. Even if someone's health doesn't prevent them from taking HRT and they just don't want it, they are still valid as well. The people saying that HRT is necessary to be trans are known as transmedicalists and they are cringe.

Edit: This got double posted somehow, so I deleted the first one.

Thanks for answering, and I’m sorry about the creep in the replies downplaying your advisor raping you. I believe you, and I know it can be especially difficult for people who are perceived as “masculine” to get support when they come forward about being assaulted. Many self-proclaimed feminists still uphold the patriarchy by embracing gender essentialism bullshit. All I can say is, people are imperfect, biases are tough to unlearn, and living up to our ideals is a constant battle against complacency. I still value those ideals (diversity, equity, and inclusion), and I’m sorry the so-called DEI committee at your university failed to embody them.

I hope you realize how bad this entire chain sounds, and that is WITH your one sided account that's clearly skimming over things you did, especially the second time you were kicked out.