I will never understand why people are not strong enough to live their true lives.I have spent my entire life showing the world who I am. Yes, I was called nasty names, and that did make me cry, but I never cried in front of my abusers or those with small, closed minds. I have been threatened but I just walked on like nothing ever happened. I did this, because my Grandma Dolly taught me to never show fear in another's eyes because they may see that as a weakness and try to take advantage of me. So my whole life I have shown the world who Barbara Lynn Terry is. Someone quite a while ago, asked me how long have I been gay. I simply told him that I am not gay, I am transgendered and I continued on. When I looked back he was scratching his head and talking to himself. LOL.

Being transgendered is definitely not for sissies and we have to be strong minded at all times, and have our wits about us. Being a woman isn't about wearing the clothes, the makeup, the nail polish, swaying your hips or having a cute feminine name. Being a woman is about attitude, discipline, courage.

When you are proud to be who you are (courage), then you can dress to the nines and go out and show the world who you are (attitude), and when you go clubbing you can enter the club with your head held high like you own the place (discipline). This is what it takes to be a transwoman in the 21st century.

So Ladies, get up off of that cold closet floor, open the door, smooth out your skirt or dress, and walk with the pride of being the best person you know how to be.

These lyrics are so true of many of our community. But you either live a lie, or break it off and go live the truth. You cannot do both.

"With confidence and forbearance, we will have the strength to move forward."

Love & hugs,
Barbara

"If I have to be this girl in me, Then I have the right to be."