Post #922282

Trans folks, including trans kids, have always existed, and we always will. I realized I was trans the second I learned about how puberty works, at age 10, in 1989. But I knew the world hated "transsexuals" and didn't feel safe *doing* anything or *telling* anyone about it as a child even in a very progressive family. I was told it was okay to be gay, but there was no script for this. What I wanted -- what I wished for and even prayed for (in a very non-denominational way that explicitly reached out to any god, gods, higher power, or super-advanced alien that could hear my thoughts and alter reality) was to simply *become* a girl and go to school the next day and have everyone just accept it so I could live my life. The idea that I could trans my gender without being rejected by the *entire* world didn't enter my head until decades later. As an adult, seeing other people living their lives the way I wished I could've blew my mind, and made me feel a lot safer confronting my needs when I finally took the effort to Deal With My Shit: start working on my mental health issues and move on to The Big Thing. Coming out to my wife was *hard*, and I'm *very* glad she stayed with me. Most spouses of late bloomers don't, and it felt like a big risk because it legitimately was. But it was necessary, and becoming a wife has made me a better husband to her. :) Coming out to my parents was easy because I always knew they'd accept me; again I feel very lucky because this is not a universal experience. And coming out at work... realized my childhood dream of just showing up one day as a girl and everyone accepting it. It's not been a problem-free experience to be sure! And I have legitimate worries about whether my government will imprison or murder me in the next few years. But honestly? I'll take the risk of genocide over continuing to cower in fear. They can kill me if they want; at least I've finally lived. #TDoV