As people who know me realise I make no secret of being a transwoman. It was and is impossible for me to be in stealth and as I have chosen to be an advocate for transrights there is no avoiding people knowing.
As a well published scientist I meet fellow scientist and students from my past who meet the real me. They deal with it or get out of my life. So far no problems.
I also do counselling sessions (as some of you know
) and I carry a photo of 'him' to help people realise what changes can occur.
Anyhow. I'm going to the WPATH conference in Amsterdam in June and on Monday booked my flights etc. I decided to take a side trip after the conference to the UK to see my sister who I have not seen for close to 20 years.
The travel agent was chatting away and asked if I had been to Holland before (yes many years ago).. 'did I have family there?' No but I do in the UK, I'm going to see my sister who I haven't seen in 20 years. 'Oh lovely; you will have a great time catching up' I hope so, it could also be a bit of a shock. 'Why is that?' The last time I saw her I was her brother.
Stunned silence. 'OMG that is wonderful!' 'Oh wow. You have obviously changed a lot?' 'Oh sorry, that was personal'
Not a problem I'm proud of being me. This is what her brother looked like.
'A sentence of words not allowed'
'OK I'm going to rework your flights. I can do better.' 'The trip to the UK from Holland is an issue with baggage allowance, I'll try to get you a travel agents discount, I'm going to ask for an upgrade.' 'Done.'
OK I have to wait for my tickets to see if it all went through but what a wonderful response!!
