For 36 years I have lived a conflicted life. I went through abuse when I was younger, but I made it through. I took up wrestling in High School and did pretty well at it. I have memories of my life as Keith that I will enjoy, but I have decided that the real, complete me must be set free. I have decided to transition, but maybe not in the way that many may think. I didn’t go out and buy a bunch of dresses (though that would be a hoot) and I didn’t start wearing makeup (I doubt I would do it correctly without practice) and I am not shouting out to the world I am trans accept me.

No I am not that kind of person. I am sweet and for the most part not confrontational (though I am outspoken). I don’t shy away from telling people what I think, but I am always willing to give people a chance to make amends and am quick to offer an apology when I have erred.

I enjoy a good cry, for whatever reason. But most my life I have cried over the things that people have done to me. Now it is time to cry tears of joy though, tears that say I don’t need your acceptance because I know who and what I am and I love me and that is more than enough.

I enjoy tranquility and peace, though most of my life has been a battleground. It is time that I lay down my sword (oh my God you’re a D&Der and wondered what kind of sword and how much damage it would do if I roll a 20, for shame) and my shield, it is time for me to put away the notion that I must war with my enemies. I retreat, I surrender, I yield, if you do not wish to walk beside me, we will walk our separate ways, life is too short.

My transformation is not about clothes or hair or jewelry or sex. It is about me and that is where it is going to start. I have known for quite some time that I have a female soul and it is, as they say, time to get comfortable with my own skin. I will from this second hence, no longer put up the masculine façade because it is what people expect from me and I will be true to myself. And the clothes, hair, jewelry will probably follow somewhere down the line. Keith is no longer, and I, Katie, am more than a screen name that posts witty stories on a cult internet site.