When I read DebTV's post, I started thinking about it and the other side of the coin. So here's my list (albeit a happier one):
- I had great parents who never forced me into a gender role
- My Dad taught me to fix cars, do woodworking and do all the things they wouldn't teach me in school because I was a "girl"
- My Dad took me fishing and treated me like I wanted to be treated
- My Mum, though clearly disappointed that she didn't get a girly girl, seldom fought my obvious inclinations (other than a few forced hair-curlings and dress-wearings)
- My parents bought me and allowed me to play with gender appropriate (boys) toys
- My teachers at school would let me play boys parts in plays (until puberty), or write in a special gender-neutral part for me because I refused to play a girl
- I didn't start puberty until I was 17, so I was a bit older and it was easier to deal with the trauma
- I got experience in a number of traditionally male jobs and was treated as one of the guys in all of them by most co-workers
- I managed to get through undergrad and law school eventually despite depression and other problems
- I didn't pick up anything too badly in the way of substance abuse
- The times I have been threatened because of gender variance have resulted in little to no injury
- I picked up a whole lot of wonderful, supportive friends along the way who love me no matter how I'm different
- I work in a workplace that is accepting of my difference
- I work with clients, other lawyers, court staff, judges, social workers, probation officers, and youth workers who are accepting of my difference
- Not a single client had a problem when I sent them "the letter". Some called and sent cards to be supportive
- I live in a small town that is accepting of my difference, if people know about it. Every day that I go out and encounter strangers who call me "sir" is an affirmation
- I responded to Testosterone in a way physically that made me go from looking female to looking male quite quickly, so I didn't have a long time in between genders (although I still look in between to me, but it'll come)
- my voice changed quickly on T
- I have broad shoulders, so my body shape, although not perfect by a long shot, at least looks male
- My feet are big enough to fit regular men's shoes
- so far I'm not getting much in the way of male pattern baldness, and genetically, it seems likely that I won't
- T hasn't caused a major zit breakout
- I didn't lose my singing voice (except that I yodel a bit in tenor range, but that'll come)
- my blood work has been fine, so no doctor is trying to decrease or stop my T shots
- I was able to afford surgery when I wanted it
It's not all perfect and I'm not a pollyanna. There are things I'd like to change, like facial hair would be nice, I could do with losing some weight (which I'm working on - 7 pounds down so far), and I wish I looked older than 20-something. But I if I don't count my blessings, I am at risk of taking them for granted.
Dennis
PS: and I have a cat who loves me:
