I want to send a personal message to the FTM community on this board.
I remember when the FTM community on this board was very small. There were probably only 5 of us that were really active, but it was probably one of the only forums that was active enough. I remember being significantly outnumbered by MTFs but the ladies were all (and still are) very helpful and supportive for us. I may not have been around this forum since the beginning but I have been posting for 2 years and in this last year I have seen so many FTMs come here for support and it makes me happy. Quite a few years ago in my position I never had this kind of support, and I'm glad that some of you younger guys(not that I'm old) have some place to go. It makes quite a bit of difference, doesn't it?
I think what I like about this forum is as it grows with more FTMs we get to see all sorts of different opinions, even if those opinions frustrate us or deviate from the usual stance. I, for one, appreciate them so long as the person is respectful and even then I can see the beauty in knowing that we are not all cookie cutter. I appreciate all of what you have to say, even if you feel like no one does. I appreciate
you as a human being and as a fellow FTM no matter what path you choose to go down.
There are a lot of bigots who want to tear us down, skewer our words and are very selective in the information they accept and spout out. These people are afraid of us and project more about themselves than they do about us.
QuoteSee, I've had a lot of people talking at me in the last few days. Everyone just lining up to tell me how unimportant I am. And I've finally figured out why. Power. I have it. They don't. This bothers them.
And that's what it is. Maybe it's your parents, your friends, some random idiot on the Internet, you might know someone who has tried to tear you down like that just because they're afraid of the power you have over yourself. The power you have over your own body. Not all of you want to physically transition, but you still hold power over who you are as a person and your freedom to express that. These people haven't walked in our shoes, maybe some of them don't understand what it's like for some of us to be dangling by a thread because we've exhausted all our options and death didn't seem like the best choice. Maybe some of you don't want to ever know what it's like to feel that way, to be pushed that far, and you shouldn't have to feel tortured.
Unless these people are taking away your rights, it doesn't matter. Be the best damn example you can be and prove them wrong. It's hard keeping a positive attitude in our positions but positivity is the greatest weapon you could ever wield. You decide for
yourself what is best for you and be educated and empowered by that choice. Don't let your choices be a weakness, use them as a strength.
Thank you for being
you.
I know it wasn't sent one-on-one, but that's an awesome letter and it made me smile to read it. I'm really grateful for this community on Susan's. I've learned a lot from this site and it's nice to have a place that's very supportive.
This letter was a pick me up, so thanks for writing it and you're totally awesome!
Feeling the love ;D wouldn't know what to do without this place
You're pretty awesome dude. ;D
Quality. This made me smile.
Don't know what I'd do without Susan's.
Right on Lachlann! This is the kinda message we gotta keep spreading. We're here for each other and will help hold each other up when others try to knock us down. 8)
Thanks for writing that letter. +1^10000. Definitely something I needed to hear right now, as I've been dealing with a lot of ignorance IRL lately and it's been difficult keeping that positive attitude. Thanks man for the encouragement. Don't know what I'd do if it wasn't for you guys (and the gals) here on Susan's.
Just trying to spread the bromance around. Sometimes I feel like we could really use it with some of the stuff we have to go through.
Awesome letter man. Made me smile, I love it here at susans great support and great people.
Its great to hear those words, perfect timing too, I've felt torn down lately, but you negate some of those negative feelings. Thanks
Thanks man. It really helps raise the spirits. I've been down on myself recently and a lot of us go through these sort of times. Its good to have support.
thanks bro!
Awwww, bromance.
Lol, thanks!
:)
I've noticed and watched the community grow as well, its been a great experience. Im thankful for susan's and everyone who's been active here.
I love Susan's for the wide range of people and topics that can be openly discussed or beliefs stated without anyone getting upset and throwing tantrums and banning people.
Lachlann, you are an absolute hero for posting that. I'm sure we have all had, and will doubtless continue to have, a whole load of ->-bleeped-<-e thrown at us. Some days we feel strong and we can just ignore it. Other days we are only just about coping and the hate and the ignorance really hurt. It is heartening to read this statement of solidarity. We are not going through this alone!
We are extremely lucky to have somewhere like Susan's to come to. You guys make this all so much easier.
Group hug!
Thanks for posting this!
Susans is such a great place, i'm not sure where i'd be without this place.
I'm newer to Susan than some of the other postees *Like yesterday new* and I'm just so psyched that I was told to come here. I've learned a couple things already and I even feel a whole lot more confident than I used to~ <3 Thank you so much to Susan's and all the amazing people here~ :DD
<3 Alun
Thanks Lachlann for your amazing piece of writing- it came at just the right time. Like so many have said i too don't know what i'd do without all the people on Susans; its a great place to be able to come to
Thanks for that. I feel lucky to be able to have this forum as a source of support. All of you are awesome beyond words.