Mistaken Identity: When I was Mistaken for a Woman with Cooper DeArmond

In this podcast episode, host Omarr Cantu shares the story of his friend Cooper DeArmand, who was mistakenly thought to be a woman by a client he had a phone-only relationship with. Cooper discusses his gender identity as a man and how he occasionally takes part in feminine activities. He shares experiences of both positive and negative reactions when revealing his true gender to clients. Overall, the episode explores societal stereotypes and the consequences they can have on individuals' identities.

Synopsis: The podcast episode explores the intricate nature of identity and the unforeseen consequences of societal stereotypes. It centers around the personal story of Cooper DeArmand, who recounts a surprising incident where a client mistook him for the opposite sex. This incident raises thought-provoking questions about how societal expectations and stereotypes can shape our perceptions of others and their self-identification. The episode underscores the significance of staying true to oneself and not allowing societal norms to define or oppress individuals. It encourages listeners to embrace their own identity and strength and to not take offense at questions or judgments from others. Ultimately, the episode aims to challenge societal stereotypes and foster a more inclusive and empathetic society.

In this episode, Cooper DeArmand shares a personal anecdote about being mistaken for a woman by a client. Cooper explains that he had a year-long professional relationship with this client, primarily conducted over the phone. Despite their extensive conversations, it wasn't until a year into their working relationship that Cooper discovered the client had mistakenly believed he was a woman the entire time.

Cooper worked for a short-term rental company and frequently interacted with clients over the phone. As clients couldn't see his face, their perception of him was solely based on their conversations. Cooper never explicitly mentioned his gender, assuming that his name, Cooper, would suffice in indicating that he was a man. However, clients interpreted his name as an unconventional choice for a woman.

Rather than correcting this assumption, Cooper chose to go along with it. He noticed that by not correcting them, he received a higher level of respect and better treatment from clients. They were kinder to him and even extended invitations to their homes for vacations, assuming he was a woman. Cooper found this experience flattering and appreciated that his personality alone was enough to make people want to welcome him into their homes, even without seeing him.

Episode Topic Timestamps:

[00:01:20] Mistaken for the opposite sex.

[00:05:47] Assuming gender over the phone.

[00:10:41] Share what topic you want to tackle next.

If you have questions/comments/topic ideas, feel free to DM Omarr directly on Instagram or text 407-760-5544

Cooper DeArmond's Socials

• https://www.instagram.com/coopydeville/

Omarr Cantu Socials - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/omarrcantustory⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The Lurning Man Podcast with Omarr Cantu website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thelurningman.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

KEYWORDS: podcast, learning man, pandemic, project, documentary, kooky name, close, client, misunderstanding, woman, phone, leadership, account managers, comfortable, man, management, preferential treatment, mistaken sex, better treatment, short-term rental company, relationship, respect, correct, multiple clients, pretty woman, vacation, personality, houses, young Cooper, coming of age Cooper, focus, high school, middle school, adult life, pressure, small town