Some good things have happened recently, and I want to mention them.
Although in places other than work my appearance is substantially feminized, I still present male. However, when I picked up a new part-time job recently, I asked the boss if I could be known by my female name. And so I am.
I'm now out to most people I deal with on a first-name basis.
I've been estranged from my immediate family for more than ten years. I recently contacted my sister in order to get our mother's contact information; there was a question I wanted to ask her. I had a brief exchange of direct messages with my sister on Twitter, which were unexpectedly pleasant; that's probably why I started drafting a coming-out letter that evening. I had no intention of sending it anytime soon; but within 24 hours I had done so. I had every reason to expect complete rejection; so, I was astonished when I heard back from my sister. She was completely accepting and supportive.
This has turned out to be a watershed moment for me. I think I was more concerned with my sister's reaction than that of anyone else in my life. I find I am now ready to change my name legally, even though I can't change my gender designation. I also find that a great load has been lifted from me. I am finally ready to rest. So much of my life has been embroiled in controvery – personal, political – and now, all I want is a peaceful life. I think it's because I feel like, with my sister's acceptance, and that of her children, my nieces, I finally belong somewhere, after not belonging for so long.
I just wanted to say these things where someone else would hear them.
