Hello everyone, I'm very happy to be here.
I'll start a little with my back story. I try to be as less dramatic as possible, pointing out the facts of how it was, and how it is. When I was younger I denied my true identity. It had a lot to do with an abusive stepfather. Later on as an adult I became used to acting like an alpha male in order to get along while working.
Things began to change about four years ago at my last job, and my true identity could no longer be held back. Off the job I was observed by fellow employees as being something that they, and most people in my area don't approve of. Some violently. I was harassed on the job, and the death threats began. I quit my job knowing that my employment would be made much worse if I went to management to report specific harassment. I worked at a underground mine.
The years following came more threats, and a murder attempt which is on record. I was shot at intentionally, but local law enforcement only regarded the incident as an accident. Vandalism, and more threats, and then eventually I had a nervous breakdown. I spent some time in the hospital, where I experienced some discrimination, of which I was prepared for being an Idaho resident.
Before, I had little means or opportunity to seek help, or support. Where I tried, my accounts, and fears were dismissed, and added further to my anxiety. I learned that not all support groups in person are right for all people.
Right now things are opening up to me. I'm receiving treatment for PTSD, and beginning to make appointments with a transgender therapist. I'm able to get away from home and travel to accepting venues, and very soon I can begin taking steps to starting HRT.
The world was very bleak two years ago -before I accepted who I am. I didn't even have a computer, and I never even heard of the word transgender. That is how isolated I was. I have a world to live in now, even though I still live in a extreme hostile environment. I live here for my family, and to someday be a part of a community that supports, and protects other transgender individuals living in Idaho.
Hope is something that was always there.
Dana
