I know this is purely subjective just for starters, and goes beyond that for folks who express faith differently or not at all, but we have a very supportive and encouraging group of people in this community who are accepting in the midst of their own beliefs.

Mrs. D and I were at a street fair two towns over several weeks ago and a few folks from a store front church meeting in a fair sized former bank. A couple of them offered to pray for us, and they did pray for strength and health for both of us. While the young man was praying he seemed to be led to pray for a sense for me regarding my relation with my dad in the context of having a relationship with God. I haven't even told Mrs. D this, since it's still so soon and remains a struggle for us both as we tiptoe through the gender minefield. But I swear when the fellow was praying for me for a sense of son-ship, in my heart? I HEARD the word daughter and my adopted name Andrea even as the young man was using my given name. I felt validated spiritually. That may just be for my benefit alone, but it really feels good to speak that truth of mine to others, even if I never say it face-to-face with my family.