Shoehorned into this thread.
I get on the train to come to school today. I'm wearing sunglasses and a coat with the hood up because hey, turns out October is kind of windy and cold and I don't have any hair. As soon as I get on, this older woman gives me DEATH FACE and starts whispering to her friend and pointing.
Two stops later she's still whispering and watching me like a hawk.
So I go "Ma'am, I understand I might look threatening. I'm not in a gang or a terrorist or anything. I'm a cancer patient. My hair is falling out, and the chemo makes me sensitive to bright light. I..."
I run my hand over my beard as I say "I", then pause as I look at my fingers, frown, and wipe them off like I pulled out another clump of hair.
"I'm really self-conscious about it so I'd appreciate if you didn't stare."
The look of shock and guilt on her face will get me through the day.