Today, Saturday, June 23rd is the annual Flagstaff Pride Festival at Thorpe Park. It starts at noon and goes until 9:00 pm. I'm getting ready to go for the first time this afternoon. I'm hoping to have some fun and meet some new people.

There was a Pride flag raising that I attended at City Hall Wednesday evening. I dressed as myself, as I do whenever I'm not at work, so was wearing a skirt and blouse. I'm not really openly out to most of my social circle yet but wasn't expecting to see anyone I know, so I didn't think it'd be any big deal. Imagine my surprise when, at the end of the ceremony, I heard my name being called. I turned around and there stood a woman friend. She didn't even bat an eye at how I was dressed and gave me a big hug! We had a nice conversation and agreed to meet at the festival. I guess it goes to show that sometimes imagined fears are worse than reality.

I'm so excited! She is one of the first people I've been planning to talk to when I get up the nerve and I think she knew something was up all along.

So I went to the Pride Festival and had a great time. I didn't see my friend there but no big deal. I did meet some nice people. I really felt in my own element, not self-conscious at all. My new avatar was shot just as I was walking out the door to go.

One struggle I've been going through is finding a source for HRT. The closest doctors or clinics I've been able to locate are a five hour round trip driving from where I live. I really feel like I made a break-through at the festival. I met some other trans women. Normally I would never approach them as I feel it would be rude to out them on the street, but at the festival, it didn't feel so awkward. They were able to give me some contact information to get me truly started on my journey.

I have some phone calls to make come Monday.