How do you feel about it????

[MelissaAnn]

So as I have been coming out to my friends about being transgendered. I have been told that I am courageous, that they are envious, that they are proud, that I'm amazing. Don't get me wrong, I am happy to be receiving these accolades, but I just don't feel like I deserve them due to the fact that I'm just trying to do what everybody else in the world is doing, and that's living my life, and just wanting to be who I am. Is that really so courageous or amazing, and I don't think being transgender is anything to be envious of. I'm just a normal person trying to live my life to the fullest. Don't get me wrong, though I am proud to have survived everything that I've gone through. I am proud that I accept myself for who I am, I guess. Simply put, I see myself as a strong proud independent woman. Has anybody given you any Accolades and how do you feel about it?

Hugs,

Melissa Ann

[JoanneB]

Transition is a major act of heroism to them since they cannot see themselves going through it. No need for them to even THINK about it.

Unfortunately, we tend not to have the option of not doing it.

[Kamiki]

It has always been a mixed hat for me. Being called courageous.

Part of me understands that this is very hard, nigh on impossible to face for some and that it took some modicum of courage to begin the path.

Another part of me saw no other option save death and does not feel particularly courageous for doing what must be done.

Due to the mixed feelings it always makes me a bit uncomfortable to be called such.

Kami.

[Beth Andrea]

"Oh, you're so brave for transitioning!"



People mean well when they say things like this...so accept it modestly.

[Gothic Dandy]

People who haven't been in our shoes will say that because it's the only way they know to be supportive and encouraging. It's the intent that matters, really.

This isn't quite the same, but I often feel guilty for "struggling" with this when there are people in the world living in violent neighborhoods with their children, starving to death, being sexually assaulted, etc. I feel like this should not be much different than doing my best in life, trying to get through it, just like everyone else. Kind of like you said.

[Rachel]

I been told I am brave. I just looked at them and said no I am not.

I think I blew a few peoples minds though. 

[ImagineKate]

HR director seemed to brush it off, coworkers said they're so happy for me. Brave? Haven't heard it.

[suzifrommd]

When someone calls me courageous, I tell them the courageous thing would have been to stick it out as a man. That's FAR scarier than transitioning.

[JLT1]

Yea,

I've been called all of that.  I actually thing that I deserved it a couple of times  but I think I deserved it those times regardless of my gender status.  It actually seems a little weird but the support is nice.

I want to live and to love.  I'm doing all that I can to do both of those things.


Hugs,

Jen

[Samu]

I think it's really cool to get a little extra support from the community and your social circle because a lot of the times we aren't so lucky and get not so positive responses.
I know what you mean though, like sometimes it seem's too much. And I don't know why anyone would tell you they are envious of being trans.
Regardless of any of that, It's nice to see someone being proud of who they are. 

[Steph34]

I have never been complimented for transitioning, but if I did I would be very grateful. All I want is to be accepted; being complimented goes above and beyond my wish.

Please be assured that any compliments you might have received for transitioning are well-deserved. The transitioning process itself can be seen as a form of self-improvement, which is truly positive. For me personally, it is the best thing I could ever do to toward a better life. Also try not to get too hung up on the words, as words have different meanings to different people depending on their perspective and their own experiences. I do not really see it as brave, though. Going out in public in the wrong body and wrong clothes is brave. That is not one of my characteristics, which is why I tried to hide from the public when I had the wrong body. As I become more feminized, I am also becoming more comfortable in public places. I really do not care if people know I am trans; I just want them to see the woman I see, and being transgendered will forever be a part of me, for better or worse.

It does require courage to come out, especially when there is a reason to believe that someone important in your life will be unsupportive. As a peaceful person who prefers to avoid conflicts, courage is not something I possess much of. Perhaps that is why no one other than medical professionals and this forum knows who I really am. I look and act more feminine since starting HRT, but my family still does not get it.

[Edge]

I think people frequently underestimate their own courage and strength- myself included- because to the person, it's normal. It's just their normal state of being, so it doesn't seem particularly special to them. I wonder how it would affect people if they gave themselves more credit.

[gabimoneratt]

It's good and nice of people, but I just can't say I needed courage to do what I did... When I went full time I just had in my mind, that day, that I was going to go full time and there was no coming back... It all just flowed, happened. I do think we are strong though... Being trans isn't the most fun, easy thing, but I guess people don't realize we can't just go on living as the wrong sex.

[Sarah-Jane]

Hi i feel more feminine coa i dont feel as male.. i was born with one faulty gene that was cause gene disorder, test and check by hospital and found one faulty gene that cause my body change to feminine.. it good feel as im now trangender.. i wear women clothes (much younger cos im look so younger) and use red wine long hair that make me look great... felt so good... im from Scotland..

[Lostkitten]

People here should really stop thinking so black and white, negative and stop putting/pulling/whichever yourself down. No, not everyone. But many. Hearing compliments, everyone probably kinda shakes them off.

Think a little further. Everyone lives according stereotypes. The way society tells them they should live. Women shouldn't be too bossy and masculine. Men shouldn't show their feelings. Girls have to look cute, boys have to take the lead. I believe that for many it is transitioning or suicide/dead/depression. But that is a choice you got right there. The easy way out or to have the guts to stand up for yourself and to do what feels right for you. And exactly that is what many people are afraid to do so regardless if it is transitioning or as simple as a guy wanting to wear earrings or a girl wanting to trim her hair short.

Many are afraid to show who they really are, afraid to be judged. I don't say we are not afraid to be judged but even so we decided to push our way trough and I personally think that is something to be proud of.