Much happening in life, little time to cogently write about it. As I said, the zen of my own transition story is increasingly "do more".
I have started trading email with the PFLAG people. I'd like to do something to help families figure out a trans parent or trans child (trans in the broadest use of the word, transgender including NB, Bi-Gender, etc) is just fine. Likewise, I am going to do training with a local LGBTQ speakers bureau, altho likely not until April. I have conviction I should be proudly speaking up, publicly and regularly about who I am. Because bad things are afoot and me living my best life, openly, is the best I can do.
Work continues to be remarkable. With the help of HR and the benefits team, we forced our health care provider to make significant changes to their web portal with respect to how trans benefits are presented. We're a small fish (5 billion in revenue) to their big fish (320 billion in revenue)... still, done. I just wanted it more, I quoted ERISA rights with some coaching from government lawyers. Yeah.
Added bonus at work- I've kicked off dialogue about expanding transgender care. No one is blinking. We - me, HR, and benefits, have agreed to talk more. A lot more. It is a complicated yet simple dialogue by the way. Like many plans, mine has exclusions around "cosmetic" procedures. I've simply pointed out that word has been contested as appropriate by the NIH for over 5 years. Trans care is life saving care. It is expensive care. It is not cosmetic. HR is listening. Stay tuned. Frankly, I doubt change will come quickly or at all. It is worth the effort.
Oh.. and I am doing family outreach at work too. Very satisfying stuff. I need to keep it there.
One last cool moment at work? Morning coffee seems to have drifted into my cube, mid-morning. Me plus two (cis) women both of whom see me as me. Tres validating.
Training for the gran fondo in NY continues-- doing insane work on my bike with a trainer. Looking forward to getting on the road. I am on the bike around 8 hours a week now, and its only going to be more time.
I can renew my lease, a huge relief. My place is funky, boho, old, and drafty. I love it.
Physically, I've realized I am up to "tweener". I don't have enough of a figure to pass (a concept I loathe btw). I have enough of a figure that even in a baggy old male hoodie.. I don't think I pass that way either. I love it. My electrologist is a friend and super comfy telling me *anything*, gave me a "Jenn,.. you know you have a little bit of hips and ass, right?". She's a friend, just a friend who sticks a needle in my face and zaps me a few times a week.
Emotionally, I have my vulnerabilities and set backs. I've kind of learned to balance them better. If HRT stripped away parts of my ability as an adult to manage emotions, then I am slowly figuring that part out again. I've embraced the differences, they feel wonderful.
Ok. Off for errands and a check in on my sister (who is disabled).
Happy Weekend,
~Jenn