From He to She: A Life-Altering Change

[Chaunte]

If anyone should post this story, it should be me...  And I will admit that there was so much emotion associated with this story that i could not watch it real-time.  Still, I have it taped.


From He to She: A Life-Altering Change

Reported by: Ginny Ryan
Email: gryan@13wham.com
Last Update: 3:29 pm

Rochester, N.Y. -- An estimated one in 500 people have changed genders, but what happens when that person is someone's husband, father, and someone's teacher?

While doing the work of a teacher hasn't changed, the teacher has.

Mr. O'Toole is now Ms. O'Toole.

http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story/From-He-to-She-A-Life-Altering-Change/gCOC-6d5KEq9B3sSLxRAEA.cspx?rss=1937

[MeghanAndrews]

Awww, that's really cool Shauna! Congrats. I know it's been a long road for you and it's cool to finally be where you are Meghan

[Muffin]

Wow! Good on yeah Shauna for putting yourself out there and being an advocate of sorts for us all! I wasn't too familiar with your story until now, it sounds like things on the work side of life was quite smooth which is such a relief I'm sure!! *hugs*

[Sandy]

Congratulations, Shauna!

It is when a face is put on our situation that people start to understand.  When these issues are described in a personal way it gives meaning to our struggle.

Thank you for being an advocate for us.  You are a hero!

-Sandy

[Jasmine.m]

You are so very brave!! In every group that has ever been slighted by society, someone like you has stepped up to face the challenge.

And ignore the haters in the comments... They're not worth it!

[clhere]

Congrats Shauna! You are a very brave woman for going public like this 

I read the article and as usual some of the comments at the end of it were selfish, uneducated and disrespectful 

I hate how some people can just make up their own "science" and never even lookup the REAL scientific facts    Its not a lifestyle choice but so many think it is   

[Shana A]

Congrats Shauna, and thanks for your continued activism!

Is there a link for the video yet?

Z

[Chaunte]

The link to the video is:

http://www.13wham.com/mediacenter/local.aspx

Thank you, all, for your wonderful words.  I really need then right now.  let me explain...

they spent a lot of time showing my kids - which I did not know that they would do.  This has them both royally pissed off at me in ways i cannot even imagine.

The downside to this interview is that i may have totally frak'ed up my relationship with my kids.  

The price of freedom...

[Janet_Girl]

Did they not ask for permission to show them?  That could open them up to legal action.

But maybe your kids will understand.

I applaud you for your courage, Shauna.

[Alice]

Hi Shauna,

Thanks for posting your news story, it seams like all is going well.



Alice

[spacial]

Shauna.

Just watched the video. You came across really well.

I was espeically impressed and overjoyed that your students have been so positive. Hope for tomorrow.

Kids pissed off with a parent???

Sounds like pretty normal kids to me.

Seriously though, stay on course. They will come round.

[Sandy]

Shauna!

That was a wonderful segment.  I can understand how they would have wanted to bring your kids into it to make the piece more personal.  But they really should have asked you first.

Regardless, though, it was a good segment and you came across as the wonderful person you are.

Congratulations and thank you!

-Sandy

[Virginia87106]

Excellent!  That is such a positive representation of yourself and us all.  Congrats and thanks.

[eshaver]

Hummmmmmmmm, since when did ones gender hinder the ability to do a given job , I wonder ............ ? Ellen

[Chaunte]

The link to the video is:

http://www.13wham.com/mediacenter/local.aspx

Thank you, all, for your wonderful words.  I really need then right now.  let me explain...

they spent a lot of time showing my kids - which I did not know that they would do.  This has them both royally pissed off at me in ways i cannot even imagine.

The downside to this interview is that i may have totally frak'ed up my relationship with my kids.  

The price of freedom...

I chatted with my son via facebook.  He informed me that he never said "If anyone asks about dad, just tell them that he's dead!"

My daughter was upset because of the tv coverage including her photo, but forgives me.

Ain't it amazing how someone can STILL rent space in your even after 3.5 years?!

[juliekins]

Good job with the interview. I did notice, though, that the reporter seemed to be switching pronouns throughout the piece.

I really wish that they wouldn't take the tack taken by the phobics by asking you questions like, " some would say that you're selfish and didn't think of your kids etc". Why don't they take time to do a little research and find out that it is a legit medical situation, and not some lifestyle whim for which we have complete control....?