yes, the world they inhabit still has transphobia, and the theme of experiencing bigotry is very integral to the story, and to the character of frank especially! i usually want to leave things up to interpretation, but frank was explicitly created with the intention of reflecting some of my struggles, insecurities, and my complex relationship with my own identity.

Frank is not open about his true self, he is still closeted to most of the world – he imposes this situation onto himself out of his own self-hatred. he holds himself to impossible standards, and has a very twisted view on what it means to be a ‘normal woman’. the misgendering he faces in the story is usually unintentional, as he lives a ‘double life’. Francesca to society at-large, Francisco to those ‘who get it’. he trusts Salvador, his kids, people who he deems to be understanding. yes, his identity should be respected no matter what, and in frank’s ideal world, he would be seen as who he truly is, no questions asked

thank you as well for the question! I hope what I laid out makes sense. The story tackles some rougher topics, but I don’t want to be relentlessly cruel either. Frank comes out to Salvador shortly after they meet in college, and he legally changes his name to Francesca. I imagine the name Francesca being a compromise: he doesn’t have to deal with his birth name anymore, and he’s closer to the actual name he desires, while still not outing himself directly. ( also this doesn’t necessarily relate to the question, his family name was legally changed as well. He used to be Ordóñez )