Open Letter to my Dad

[Dani Davis]

Dad there are so many things working against me.

How do I make this work?  How do I not lose the respect of my kids and grand kids?  How do I earn a living once I jump off this cliff?

It just sucks because there is no way at all to make people understand what TGism is unless they are afflicted with the condition.

I'll have to quit my job of 24 years and probably lose the house I have lived in since 1990.

This is the 21st century and I am worried about paying the bills because of my gender??  Wow.  I thought we had gotten past that long ago.

Anyway, Dad just wanted to let you know that I appreciate your open mind and open heart.  Seems like you've been in my corner on this since day one.  That does not go unnoticed.  You are awesome.

[Brenda E]

Sounds like you've got a very supportive father.  He clearly raised an awesome daughter.  I have no doubt that you passed his open-minded awesomeness to your own kids and grandkids, all of whom will give you just as much support when you do take the leap.  Trust that you're in good hands.

[suzifrommd]

Hugs, Dani. Hang in there.

The road ahead is long. But it may not be as hopeless as it seems. It IS possible to explain what being trans is, even to people who don't experience it. Is it possible you may be able to keep your job? Sometimes people are more open minded than you expect. Many states have anti-discrimination policies, which you can use as a motivation for your employer.