My Dad has known since April, shortly before I had my voice surgery (I came out to him over the phone). He told the rest of that side of the family and I heard nothing but open acceptance, love, and pride immediately. What a dream.
Though a few nights ago, I had the pleasure of seeing my father and that side of the family in person for the first time since coming out and transitioning. The whole experience was wonderful... from clutching him close upon arrival, to hearing him say just how amazing I was and go on about my voice, to hanging with my other relatives... including my younger half sister who took one look at me and said "you look awesome" under her breath and asked me if I had highlights. When I said yes, she said "so cool! So this is what I would look like with highlights! I knew I should get them." CUTE!
The night was filled with great questions from all of them, with my favorite part of the night being when everyone left and I spent two hours going over (in utmost detail) the entire history of my transness and related path through life with my Dad and step mother (my parents were divorced when I was 2.5 and he I kept all things of this nature hidden from him until coming out). At the end before I left, he made me cry by saying. "I really feel like I know you so much better. I've never been more proud of you than I am at this moment." The waterworks on the way home to my mom's were nothing short of spectacular.
Okay okay, but the best part didn't come until this morning in the form of a Facebook message from my Dad. After a few short messages of giving thanks to each other (which were notably wonderful on their own), he suddenly and completely blew me away. This is what he said...
(in reference to our visit)
Quote
Yes, it was incredible...and fascinating, enlightening and comforting...I could go on and on with the adjectives :-) You however, are beyond words. I truly admire your introspection and your ability to confront the unconfrontable....to eliminate the noise and chatter that usually clouds one's ability to choose the correct path. It is with great pride, myself, that I can say "this is my daughter"...after all, you've ALWAYS been my daughter...it's only now that you've been able to remove yourself from your youthful cocoon and show the world your true beauty, with a glow and radiance unlike ever before. Welcome home Jenny. Thank you for being such a fantastic part of my life. I love you...forever and a day..."
Oh my god. This trip has been filled with tears of joy, but none until like now. I knew immediately that I had to share this message with you all because every time I read it I begin to cry towards the end, and I wanted for him to be recognized in any way possible to me as such a shining example of how amazing parents can be even after their child transitions... I welcome you to share your wonderful stories of love and happiness with your families, too. I think we would all love to hear about it.
Even if you might not have anything to add to this thread of love and acceptance, I hope it warms up your holiday spirits, and may we all smile bright for those of us who are reunited happily with our families- whether for the first time since transitioning, if they have known who we are for a while, or even if our best times are yet to come.
Happy holidays everyone.
So much love,
Jenny
