About 15 months ago I was invited to attend a reunion of my Psychiatric Nursing class from 1982 along with a few other people we knew at that time who worked in a Psychiatric Hospital with me. I would love to go and if I was not transitioning I would not hesitate.

The get together is for 3 days in May and I will most likely not see any of these people again with the exception of a couple of friends. I plan on going fulltime in April so will be a month into it when the reunion is on. At a minimum I need to get moving as I need at least one form of photo ID in my new name. I am running out of time to make a decision.

I came out to one of the organiser and she just offered me a huge hug and said it made it all the more important that I came.

I have concerns that I could spend the whole three days being triggered as during the period I knew these people, was when I first found out I was "trans" but in those days it was not called that and I rejected it outright. I also found out that I would lose my nursing position and any chance at a career if I came out.

My wife suggested going could be good for me and thinks I probably couldn't find a safer group of people to be with, than a bunch of Psychiatric Nurses. She has a point!

What do you think, would you go?

thanks

Liz

IN A HEART BEAT!

Liz -

    I came out to my sister (the first person) the morning of my 35th high school reunion.  I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have that reunion today (I start full time next Thursday.)  I'm jealous that you get that opportunity.  I remember when the group took an "all ladies" picture and I was crying in side to join them.  Then the guys picture (yuck).

   I would go, be proud of who I am.  If it was high school you could even say (at least I could) "Look some of the 'names' you called me were right!"

   Let us know if you go and if you do, how it goes.

- Dee

Oh Liz,

You can guess my answer.

Go and have a wonderful time. 99% will accept you and that will be a marvellous boost. If anyone rejects you then you have the support of all of those who do.

I know of several SA girls who have been back for nurse reunions and not one has had a bad experience.

Listen to the organizer and your wife.  If it was me, I'd go.  I'm hoping that my high school class has a 50th reunion, because I'd love to go as me.

I was strongly temped to attend my high school reunion as this was the first time I was in the right place to do it. The reason I decided against it was because I knew less that half a dozen members of my class and it appeared that the only  one who was attending the reunion I didn't know all that well. Had there been somebody to share memories with, I would have gone without question. Reunions don't come very often so go and enjoy it.

I suffered 4 years at an ALL BOYS Catholic High School where the other boys were likes hawks, on the lookout 24/7 for any hint of gender nonconformity.  No way I would ever go back there in a million years.

I went to my 20 year High School Reunion a few years back, had a blast.. Almost didn't go, had a fear that there'd be issues. There were about 6 people who knew out of about 90 people. On the whole, people were great - one even tried to refuse that I was who I said I was.. lol

Yes, there were a few issues, but they were dealt with by others before they even got on my radar. My HS graduation year was a a funny bunch - all races, all creeds - just don't be an ->-bleeped-<-.

My 20th High School reunion was almost two years ago. I stayed home. Hang out with a bunch of people that I hated and pay for the privilege?

No thanks.

I have no use for re-living memories from my old life.  No thanks.

Quote from: kelly_aus on February 24, 2017, 11:28:52 PM
... My HS graduation year was a a funny bunch - all races, all creeds - just don't be an ->-bleeped-<-.

This gave me an idea.  An LGBTQA class of '80 reunion. Apparently there are/were more than a few closeted individuals my year and the surrounding few.

Thank you all so much for the comments

It is a Nursing reunion and not a high school reunion. I think I would be likely to take a big gun with me if I went to a High School reunion... not great memories. However the Nursing ...now that was a bit different.

I am going to go and will be booking my airfares this morning. I am thinking of posting a picture and a short statement about it as I need to share accommodation with someone...that is probably a surprise they can do without as a roomie. Will keep updated as to how well it goes.

Liz