Hi everyone.
I am using the anonymous username for fear of exposure in my very small, very male dominant industry. I admire those who are even courageous enough to use their true selves and names here, but I am still not ready yet. One thing I have learned in reading many of your stories - jobs matter.
So a little about myself...
I grew up in a VERY conservative/Republican part of the western u.s., and haven't really moved too far (well, 12 hours away isn't far in the mountain states) from it all. I am about to start a new job in the big SLC, not too far from where I grew up, but far enough away.
I am a Sci fi an games fan, love playing sports (though getting bored with watching all the masculinity and strutting around), and otherwise have lived what I THOUGHT was NOT the norm for questioning one's gender.
I have recently had a major shift in my internal perspective, and all the wishes and desires I have had most of my life are now too important to push down anymore. It is why I am here - to be myself...a girl next door who no longer desires to live in a boy's world.
I hope to find help from your strength before me to get me through some of the biggest issues, and hope you will forgive my desire for privacy - I do like my job and industry, and hope to...find a way to not lose it fully and completely. This new job may offer that salvation, since work clothes are baggy coveralls over (traditionally) tshirt and jeans.
I do hope to get past my fears in all of life, and that this will be my second place i start to truly open up (best friend knows - she is very transfriendly, and building up courage to tell the wife).
Wish me luck, please be patient with me, and help me reach my much needed comfort zone. I want to be more open like the wonderful people I see here.
Thank you.
