Getting my name and gender marker change approved by the court did give me some joy, a sense of victory, that I had gotten the State to acknowledge who I am. Getting the various ID documents corrected was more of a chore, but I was happy when it was done because I was tired of outing myself with every purchase in a store, every car repair, every trip taken...
I was happy that I wouldn't be getting that hairy eyeball 👁 stare every time I had to present an ID or bank card. Not so much joy, as relief, really.
And Laurie, my life is MINE to celebrate or ruin, just as your daughter's life is hers. You do you, be honest and open with others close to you, and treat yourself with the respect you deserve. Others may respond in kind, or process your every word and action through an ideological funhouse mirror. That is THEIR choice, their responsibility, and possibly their curse. You didn't do that to them, and their funhouse mirror reflection of you is not YOU.
With love and respect,
Michelle