Hi. My name is Stephanie Garrett. I am a 46 year-old transwoman who has had a pretty dreadful life. I was diagnosed in 1995 with AIDS and given three to five years to live. Eventhough I was a senior majoring in journalism with a minor in chemistry, I quite that t o live on the streets and acquire three felonies. Plus I injected HCV into my life while piggy-backing cocaine. Finally made it to San Francisco where I was diagnosed with avascular necrosis(AVN). AVN is a horrific disease. The pain AVN causes to someone inflicted with it is second only to bone cancer. And while I stayed in hospital for over two years enduring AVN's onslaught, I began transistioning into a woman.
Now I have my own place. I am going back to school to get an associate's degree in LGBT studies. \
Yet this is the kicker-- I wish I had more friends in the transgender community. Not only that, but I want to advocate for our community. I just don't know where to turn. So, if anybody has any ideas-- or are from the bay area-- I would to talk with ya. I hope every here had a great new years' celebration and will have a most wonderful New Year!!! Take care! Much Love, Stephanie
