/lit/ - Literature

>be me, bi MTF, 27, twinkhonish and not really passing
>hanging out at a bar with one of my housemates (the closest thing to an It Girl in our city)
>she invites one of her college friends
>Mousey Midwestern white girl, very sheltered, very sweet, good conversationalist.
>like well adjusted NPR listener who had a happy childhood, very liberal Christian
>Polish american and from a big loving family
>borrowed her moms minivan to go out
>friends invite her to our neighbors birthday party (that I helped set up)
>see her again, she drinks a bit and we talk in small groups, talks about how lonely she's been lately and how she's looking for friends
>tell her we do a regular dance night at the local VFW and ask if she'd like to come with
>she's very excited and says she'll absolutely come

I've been looking for a partner lately and haven't had much luck. Like the last three dates I've tried to go on ghosted me right on the morning we were supposed to meet. Feel like I'm not really ready to handle rejection again anytime soon, especially since my entire (hyper religious ) nuclear family never accepted me, even in childhood. I've only really dated cis guys in my life, but realize they really aren't for me. Met her and immediately started imagining life together, having kids and a little house in a sleepy neighborhood. Long walks to the park and quiet Sundays together

>realize I am kind of crushing on her hard. Really just want to be around her. Seen her on the apps, so I know that she is at least nominally okay dating a tranner. Thinking about asking her out one on one, but I'm not sure if she's expressed any real interest in me vs just being polite and sociable.

How can I respectfully see if there is mutual interest? don't want to assume and end up hurting her. Haven't felt this way about anyone in so long. Love is so fleeting and I'm a romantic at heart, don't think I have many more chances to pass up