In some ways I believe it s the partners of transexuals who have the most difficult time. Many significant others of trans men have felt frustrated at suddenly becoming invisible as queers. When they are out in public with their partner, they are suddenly perceived as being a het couple, and they get sneered at if they try to attend the dyke bars and dances. There seems to be a number of people who would ideally like surgery but can t afford it. There is definitely stratification based on race, ethnicity and class.
Class can play a huge role in determining how trans issues are broached.
They say that they should not have to be labelled as having a psychiatric disorder simply because of their gender construction. You ask if the goal is to pass. My primary goal is to be able to see myself as male as possible. I d still be taking my twice monthly injections of testosterone. Because it s who I am.