Being in a straight appearing relationship with a guy. I felt like my queerness was completely lost, and I hated the assumptions that people started making about me and the relationship.
As I went from visibly trans to passing, my relationship with my partner went from an obviously queer one to what most people now assume is a platonic friendship between two cis women.
I personally feel like I'm in a more queer relationship now, but the queerness disappears to others due to heteronormative eyes. It does not seem to make a difference that we hold hands in public, that I engage in touch and other PDA.
I tried changing my own oil, couldn't get the drain plug loose, was so frustrated. Another time I had a coolant leak and need to swap out a hose, it was winter, I hurt my hands, snapped some plastic part, and cried.
Waltzers. for those who don't know it's a ride involving a sloping spinning platform with these spinning cars. my dad made me ride it when I was a kid. big mistake I threw up 😂
Not often used now, but they are plucked, cleaned and often dyed, then woven into baskets or as trim for clothing/hats. The guard hairs are also used for ceremonial head dresses.
So no, sadly, not a turn of phrase. I literally had my hands in a soapy bath of porcupine quills and shit, getting stabbed endlessly as I tried to clean them. I got maybe 40-50. They are in a jar to remind me of my folly.