[AnnieBL]

I don't really know what determines which gender one gets labeled as when met by strangers.

I think it's probably a combination of such things as facial hair roots/lack thereof, hair, voice, mannerisms, clothing, and possibly pheromones. It seems amazing that people assess each of these traits instantaneously, but we all gender each other subconsciously.

Like today I got ma'amed twice by a cashier. I haven't shaved in two days, wore guy clothes with male glasses, with no makeup, made no attempt to raise my voice pitch. I'm sick so I was not even chipper lol. I almost asked her," Why did you call me ma'am?", but she wouldn't have been able to tell me anyway. (and likely would've found my enthusiasm about the event and finding out the reason for it to be a little odd)

I suppose I shouldn't question it too much, and just be happy that I get ma'amed, and that I enjoy it so very much

I found your post very interesting, particularly that you were sick and trying neither to mask your physical sex nor to project a particular gender; in fact I would assume that neither sex nor gender was a part of your conscious interaction with others today. Under these circumstances I would suspect that in some way your true gender shows through, and obvious physical clues saying 'male' get discounted in people's.reflex response to you in situations without any sexual charge.
I suspect that the same may apply for you, Miranda?