What role does social stigma play in shaping the interactions between women and transgender individuals in low-light urban settings?

I've been seeing a therapist for years. Lots has improved but I still get completely overwhelmed at times & am often very anxious or dissociative, including in therapy. Very occassionally I have fully immersive flashbacks. Why hasn't this stopped?
Have you ever misjudged someone's intentions only to find out there was a sweet or unexpected reason behind their actions, like being stared at in public? What happened next?