Dealing with discrimination

[KatieCleaves]

Hello All,

             I have been living as a female full time for about 6 months now. As I have been going through the transition I have heard lots of comments from people bot negative and positive. There has not been a day that goes by that I am not a happier person because of who I am now. Today however was a little bit difficult. I am a Phelobotimist, and the area where I work I usually deal with a lot of homeless people or people really down on their luck. I am happy doing this as I am helping people in need. Today I had a patient come in and as I was talking to him and getting ready to draw some blood samples, he became irate and said he would never let a ->-bleeped-<- touch him. Inside I was extremely upset, I did not let this show. instead I was very understanding with him and I was able to get one of my co workers to draw the samples. I did explain to him that everyone has their right to their own opinion. I also asked him to please respect the people that work there who are only trying to help him. It really amazes me at how much people really hate me because what I am going through. I realized today how much I have changed over the past few months. I will never understand discrimination, but I do know that it exists every where around me. To those of you facing the same challenges I am facing, Don't be ashamed of who you are. Hold your head up high and be confident with your choices. I will never regret my decision to change and neither should you. I hope everyone has a wonderful day.


Sincerely
Katie   

[Kelly J. P.]

 Thank you for sharing.

I know that I weigh other people's thoughts too heavily, and I'm harder on myself than I should be. I'm crueller towards myself than anyone has been towards me. Despite this, I try to keep confident and proud... and I hold on to my hope to the best of my ability. It's definitely not easy a lot of the time, and sometimes it seems certainly impossible, but I'm grateful to you and your post for refreshing me a little on this day.

[spacial]

Katie.

There are two point.

Down on his luck.

Bad, beligerent attitude.

Believe me, there is a connection.

That fellow is his own worst enemy. Someone goes to him, offering to help and he is incapable of simply accepting it with gratitude and grace. He absolutely has to make a comment.

My wife is African and a nurse. (Retired now). Used to happen to her all the time. People at the bottom of the heap, with bad attitudes.

[Ltl89]

I am so sorry Katie.  That guy is a total jerk. However, you handled the situation very well.  It goes to show that you are a much better person. 

Thank you for the reminder at the end. Transitioning is tough and fear gets a lot of us. I am very excited about the light at the end of the tunnel, but have always allowed fear to prevent me.  I got to learn to get over that fear. 

[KatieCleaves]

Fear is a tough obstacle. I am fortunate that my family and friends accept me for who I am. I realized that the fear I had was causing me more harm than good. I will never forget the first time I left my house dressed as a woman. (not counting Halloween), I was scared and almost did not do it. I am so thankful I did it though. I held my head high and I was proud. Funny thing no one really cared what I looked like or who i was. This was my turning point in life. I no longer let fear control me. I am so happy with my life now. I do hope this will help you a little. Our paths are not the easiest paths in Life but they are the most rewarding. I wish you the best in your transition. I understand how you feel. The end result will be the most rewarding.

sincerely
Katie

[spacial]

In a year, in two, three.. you could be anywhere.

That guy will still be down on his luck, still be an angry, frustrated jerk.

Sad really. But you and I can do more for him by succeeding than paying him any attention.

[Ltl89]

Fear is a tough obstacle. I am fortunate that my family and friends accept me for who I am. I realized that the fear I had was causing me more harm than good. I will never forget the first time I left my house dressed as a woman. (not counting Halloween), I was scared and almost did not do it. I am so thankful I did it though. I held my head high and I was proud. Funny thing no one really cared what I looked like or who i was. This was my turning point in life. I no longer let fear control me. I am so happy with my life now. I do hope this will help you a little. Our paths are not the easiest paths in Life but they are the most rewarding. I wish you the best in your transition. I understand how you feel. The end result will be the most rewarding.

sincerely
Katie

Thank you.  Those thoughts mean a lot.

I think your overall post about discrimination was excellent.  We shouldn't let others defeat us and you handled the situation in a great way.  You sound very well rounded and appear to have great advice to provide.  I hope you will stick around