Julia,
The fact that your Grandfather was so over the top ridiculously ignorant was horribly painful for you, but that type of behavior points out how stupid the argument against trans people is. He could have gone on for a long time, being passive aggressive, making insensitive, hurtful comments. Instead this 'performance' of his really makes clear who the fools are. I can't speak for you, but I think I come away from that event feeling angry. I feel strong in the support of the people who really matter, (your Dad and Tyler). I think it convinces me that if your Grandfather is so obviously wrong, that I have to come a way from it with pride for my side. Whether that is pride in being trans or pride in being you as a person, that is how I would view it. Now I have not faced the type of rejection you and Laurie have faced. I have been lucky. I just know that if I allow myself to let their thinking creep into my head and make me feel bad about myself, I have given them a victory. I'm too stubborn. I'll use the anger to make me feel good about myself. And rightly so, because logically I am on the right side of the argument. Feeling bad is just me living under their rules of hate. Just my thoughts!
Moni
