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Typical bigoted response. I'm so disappointed in the way this girl and her parents were treated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGcouu-4VDk
This is the reason and why I have been trying to educate people why trans are. Why I came out and exposed myself. If they want someone to hate, they can hate me. If they want to hurt someone, I can defend myself. If they want to understand, I try and tell them what we are and what we aren't. The reason we are us. I didn't choose this life. It chose me, the same as so many others. I am totally the worst public speaker and the last person on earth who should be the poster girl for trans. But then those who are, aren't reaching the people I reach.
Kai Shappley, the transgirl in Texas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuIkLNsRtas
The stories many writers post here about bigots, bullies, rednecks is for the most part true. We scare the absolute shit out of people who do not have a hold on their own gender. They feel if they get close to us they will be affected too. They strike out in fear and lack of knowledge. Insert every fear led insanity here, including but not limited to the Salem Witch Hunts.
hugs people
always
Barb
Life is a gift. Treasure it.
Probably get censored for this one. True story. Yesterday I went to Wally World. What a joke! Parked way out in the parking lot like usual. Would take a few minutes for anyone to approach me. Sure enough, scruffy looking burned out druggy looking guy in a beat up PU pulled up beside me before I got in the car. His eyes focused on my hip. "Nine millimeter?"
"Yes and it's loaded." I didn't tell him I never carry one in the chamber for safety reasons. The 357 I do.
He drove on.
Oklahoma allows open carry. I have concealed carry license too. I don't do it to hurt anyone but to protect myself the way it did yesterday.
Dr. Susanna Grati explains my reasons better than I could.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvTO-y-B2YM
Comments
I know I have been lucky.......
Beyond one asshole in Phoenix, AZ a few years ago (and nothing against the folks from Phoenix - the asshole was from Tampa, FL and we both just happened to be in Phoenix for a conference) who decided to confront me in a bar, I have never had any real issues.
Yes, I have had more than my fair share of stares - fewer now than a few years ago as I have become more passable with the additional time, but I am still not quite 5’11” in my stockings, with shoulders that are just a little too wide, etc. Add in my love of heels, and I am usually about 6’2” in my shoes - sometimes taller, lol.
But overall, I look good. I was blessed with being attractive as a male without looking like a linebacker. This translated pretty well to my true female self. So I find more stares seem to be out fo curiosity, or simply because I am tall. One of my staff is all of 5’2”, so seeing us together is somewhat humorous at times,
Yeah, I have been luckier than many - but then again, I would give all of that up to have been able to be me as a teenager.
D. Eden
Dum Vivimus, Vivamus
I was super lucky
I was super lucky at a;; of 5'2" tall and always as thin as a rail, did not go over well in Idaho. I was never considered much of a guy by the other boys and with the given name of Terry, it was only exasorbated to constant bullying and harrassment. I to wish I had been able to be myself as a teenager, also wish my sister had not outed me to the football team when she caught me, but that is another story.
I am very passable today thanks a lot in part to genes that gave me a very small size and also a small frame that allows me to virtually be in stealth mode at all times now, and also gave me some very feminine looks. The people that work for me all know I am trans but I dont broadcast it in general. I do have my conceal carry and have my SW ladies 40 in my purse and hope never to be given the need to use it. I do regret that our not so wonderful governor just signed a bill to not allow other ladies like me to change their BC from this point forward, I was lucky I did that years ago. I may try to run against my representative to be a voice for the Trans community here in Idaho. To all my fellow Trans ladies I say just try and be yourselves and live the best life you can.
Charlotte
opinor ergo sum
Charlotte Van Goethem
Making a difference
Thank you for standing up and out. I seriously lost the genetic lottery when it comes to any hope of ever traditionally (stealth) passing. At 6'2", 300+ lbs, and male pattern baldness there was never any hope of not standing out after my transition. I live in a highly conservative community in rural Oregon and was honestly more than a bit fearful when I started finally living my true life. I made the conscious decision though to step past that fear and be an advocate for awareness and tolerance and I'm living life free and unafraid. And here's the wonderful news, I(and I'm certain you as well)are making a difference. I've been able to mentor a few newly transitioning and several still in the closet trans men and women. I've been approached by retail store managers thanking me for being public and giving them a chance to see that their store's diversity and tolerance programs are working. And more than once I have had a parent or family member ask me for advice on how to support and respond to a trans teen or young adult and thank me later for giving them the tools to be there for their child.
So, despite probably feeling like we've painted a large target on ourselves, never doubt that our decision to draw fire has and _is_ making a better world. I'm proud of you and everyone like us who has made the conscious choice to shoulder that burden even as I wish we didn't have to.
-Renee