I think for the majority of CDs it initially is about passing for many reasons ranging from safety and embarrassment to full on vanity (Caitlyn Jenner?). For me at first it was for fear as is it probably is for most. If not for my exgf I would probably not have ever went out til I was an old male. Thankfully to her she pushed me out. I do pass as female (i'd guess at least 80% of the time) and have been given that validity many times by men I meet at bars and local stores who often hit on me (and also lesbians too). These days I don't really care about having the physical makeup of a female as I used to but also wouldn't trade it for anything today.
These days I am more welcoming to let people know that I am trans when I am out (which is pretty much 100% of the time outside of work) and educate them on whatever questions they may have vs identifying as a cis female. If they don't notice or make my acquaintance then there is no reason to do the trans dance. That being said, my life as a girl is pretty boring these days outside of finding the perfect outfit or awesome sale!
