Hi all, ladies and gentlemen.
WARNO: LONG ESSAY AHEAD
The name is John and I want to start a positive post, seeing as how there is only one on this board (seriously, why?)!!
I really would like to hear more from people in all different walks of life about the little experiences that made your life amazing. I am not talking about having an awesome relationship, supportive family members and friends, or your success in passing. Instead, I want to hear about the little things you did or made through that would really help others see life from a different point of view.
I guess I will start out...
This specific story starts out with little John Doe joining the Army as an infantryman to compensate for his masculinity and regain the trust lost to his parents. Little Doe began the journey in hope of slaying the dragon that questions his identity, but he realized he had met numerous foes not expected. He fought and continued onto over coming the wolves of self doubts and demons of insecurities. As time went on, he became stronger and a more confident, wholesome person, but he never found the dragon that questions his identity. He soon realizes that the dragon is not a foe that must be slayed, but a loving persona within, who needs him to accept himself for who he is. He continues to write the last few chapters about Little Doe's life, and begins a new book of a new life.
(Yea I really don't know what the hell all that metaphors were about... Too much alcohol I guess).
So anyways, in the process of leaving the Army, my Chain of Command must be informed of my situation... So far everyone who knew, beside my doctors, have been nothing but supportive. I came out to two of my battle buddies today (I have been hinting at it for months) and both were supportive... We are talking about one being an extreme racist (doesn't support inter-racial relationships or marriage) and the other having homophobic tendency (when he found out I like guys, he told me to fix that ->-bleeped-<- or else). They told me "hey man, just do whatever you need to. We support you and won't tell anyone." So things went better than expected. In short, they see me for who I am not as that weirdo... I am glad that after so much pain, I finally received some positive reactions.
Just be who you are (the best of you) to everyone you meet. Put in time caring for people and they will return the favor. If they're over stepping their boundaries, tell them to ->-bleeped-<- off. Don't be bother about others' negative opinions of you, after all they're just opinions by people who doesn't matter.
If you're in a bad place right now or anytime in the future... know that there is a small percent out there that supports your freedom of expression (as long as you're not physically or mentally assaulting others or yourself). They might not know how it feels or understand the concept of transgender. There are and will be people who will be with you to share your joys and your sadness in our intertwined lives.
Stay strong and be happy.
