I first saw myself as a girl when I was 7 and my Mom had put me in my sisters costumes at my request. Then she put a little make up on me. Then she proceeded to tell me how cute I was. This really only made me aware of something I had kind of guessed already. I like girls. I like the way they dress, smile, talk, walk, smell, laugh, feel compassion, play jacks, jump rope, hop scotch and nurture. That was a little under 60 years ago. It took me that long to finally acknowledge the person I have always known was hidden inside. I know, but I fear the people who criticize but don't know. Beating up trans people is not something new. But, it is ignorance that sustains it. Unfortunately the ignorance begins, of all things, in the church. The place we were brainwashed into thinking was a warm hug to society. Where the "All are welcome" sign, actually means "All white people are welcome except you, and you, and you. I am so happy you are on the road to discovery. If I may offer some advice? Look for a local support group. I use mine as a safe place to express myself, and the neighborhood of Capital Hill is accommodating with it's display of rainbow flags and crosswalks. So nice to find a seat in a public place without the attendant stares of the suburban crowd. As I assimilate more and more I am getting more and more comfortable. I must praise my medical support team for their attentiveness. It just so happens they are also in Capital Hill and makes it easy to attend the therapist in the afternoon and hang around for a couple hours until our Wednesday night meeting begins. A year and a half ago I met my first transgender woman. Since then I have found 1700 others at the Gender Odyssey convention. I heartily recommend attending next August. It is so fabulous. Very informative and a great way to make new friends.
