Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I called an old friend on Sunday.  I knew it was his day off (he works Saturdays.)  I've perfected the delivery -- seeing a therapist, diagnosed as GID, that's Gender Identity Disphoria (I don't like 'disorder',) in plain language I'm transsexual, answer questions...

He was floored, but in a good way.  After answering all his questions and combinations and permutations, he said that he could see where it was the right thing for me to do.

I'll be going up to visit him and his family some Sunday soon, to catch up.  I'd been avoiding him because of a former friend who had been living at his house the past year (supposed to be only for a month,) -- a bigoted racist/misogynist who I'd rather not see again.

Then yesterday, out of the blue, I got a call at work.  I got out my best Karen voice and said, "Multimedia Audio/Visual, how may I help you?"

"Ah -- does ______ work there -- ?" the caller said.

"Speaking--" I answered.  Another pause, then, "You sound different--" and I recognised Jim's voice.  We'd worked together years ago -- he'd been the voice of several videos (http://www.flashofinsight.com/web/WorkSamples/ROTC_big.wmv) I'd produced, and had taught me a lot about announcing and narration--

"What's wrong with your voice?"  I wanted to see him again -- we'd had fun working together.  I hit him with the litany.  "It surprises me, and then again, it doesn't" he said  at the end.  I gave him my e-mail.

Now I have to find another weekend or evening to visit with an old friend.  That's his voice in the video I linked to.  Here's the e-mail he sent me.

Quote from:   E-mail Subject: Well, I was dumbfounded (to say the least)______ (unless you wish me to refer to you by what the initial "K" represents),

The "quality" of your voice, for lack of another word, when you answered the phone signaled something had changed although the manner in which you answered remains unchanged – there are some traits which will always be yours, never to be shed.

Up front, the reason I enjoyed your companionship and appreciate your friendship during those years was because you fit no mold. I always viewed you as an intellectual who embraced things out of the norm (where the great unwashed reside) and you always struck me, based upon your not fitting any category I could articulate as, simply, "uniquely ______". Well, my friend, you are now even more unique than I ever could have imagined.

My big concern is how you are faring through this change. Certainly there are numerous issues for both you and those close to you. No doubt there are those who have shunned you and others in shock not knowing how to respond (put me in the "stunned" group). Thank gawd you have the support of others who have made the same discovery.

All of this aside, I just want you to be doing well, thriving and growing. My only fear is that this could be overwhelming for you.

OK, my friend. Drop me a line and include the promised links. And, to be honest, I hope you're a more attractive woman than a man (I hope to hell you're laughing at that).

Jim

Karen

Karen,

Great email.  I really like your friend!

Love,
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fganjataz.com%2F01smileys%2Fimages%2Fsmileys%2FloopyBlonde-blinking.gif&hash=4545ddf8251cf9c32ae6074d56e48bc34a755857)Kristi

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh true friends, you can't beat them, and they definitely should be cherrished.  That's so great Karen, I know how you feel.

Steph