I came out tonight

[AnIndependentTexan]

I told my mom, little brother, and little sister that I'm Transgender. For some reason they thought I was coming out to tell them that I was gay.

[JanMichael]

1. Wow. How did you take their response?

Are you ok?

[AnIndependentTexan]

4. I'm fine

I had already told my dad and he accepts it. Ironically for me it was harder to tell my mom then anything else. She is still struggling with the factor that it is normal for me to be transgender. I think she will be ok just needs some time. She is at least not going to disown me. My little sister had seen a show called Laura or something like talking about people who felt like the same and had changed their body to be female so she kind of understood. My little brother is in denial. The extended family will have a interesting Christmas tale this year.

[Nite Owl]

46. Best of luck to you AIT

Maybe now that the truth is out they can accept you for who you as a whole person. Hope the holidays go well.

[Solly Mack]

2. ((((((((((((((A- I - Texan)))))))))))))))))))))))))))

You doing OK?

How'd they take it?

[Nordic]

3. sorry, I'm confused.

Maybe I'm an idiot, but doesn't "transgendered" mean you've had a sex change operation?

And wouldn't your family notice such a thing?

And why is this a political issue?

[JanMichael]

5. It's probably a Lounge item.

People occasionally post in the wrong forum.

No harm no foul though.

[AnIndependentTexan]

6. here you go

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transgender

Transgendered people may or may not have had medical gender reassignment therapy, and may or may not have any interest in such a procedure.

When referring to the two basic "directions" of transgender, the terms Transman for female-to-male (which may be further abbreviated to FtM) transgendered people and Transwoman for male-to-female (which may be further abbreviated to MtF) transgendered people are often used. In the past it had always been assumed that there were considerably more transwomen than transmen. However, the ratio is approaching 1:1.

Transgender can include a number of sub-categories, which, among others, include transsexuals, cross-dressers, transvestites, consciously androgynous people, drag kings and drag queens. Usually not included, because in most cases it is not a gender issue (although in practice the line can be hard to draw) are transvestic fetishists.

Many people also identify as plainly transgender, although they may fit the definition of any of the previously mentioned categories as well.

[Nordic]

11. okay, fine .... don't take this the wrong way, but ....

this is way more information about you than I really am interested in.

I'm just wondering why you're sharing this on a political forum.

And if you're telling me you're just a crossdresser, well, so what?

I'm still confused, I guess.

To me, such issues are highly personal and don't really merit discussion in relation to politics.

Just my opinion, not meant to bash you.

[AnIndependentTexan]

13. Yes but when people make laws that effect people it does

I'm not gay, I'm transgender. I don't dress in public. I have crossdressed but only in private. The only reason why I didn't go with hormones or SRS surgery is because I can not get pregnant. I'm transgender because I believe that I should have been born a girl.

Not a lot of people understand the differences because we have a President in the white house that rather lump everything together and feed us to the Christian right.

[Nordic]

14. so why would you share this with anybody?

If it's such a private thing?

I'm still confused.

And why didn't your family notice before you told them?

[AnIndependentTexan]

18. because I don't dress at home

I usually go to hotels or places away and I don't keep outfits at home. What separates me from a crossdresser is I don't need the clothes to be me. The clothes are nice, but they aren't what make who I am. I hide it well from them. It isn't so private for me now. I'm just getting over my private period. By talking about it that helps me move forward with it being just a normal part of my life.

[UdoKier]

27. Why would you want to dump on her for sharing?

It seems like she deserves a little pat on the back for making a major disclosure to her family. If you're not interested, why did YOU click on the thread?

[Nordic]

29. "her"? I thought it was a guy.

Now I'm really confused.

[AnIndependentTexan]

44. If you learn more about what a Transgender person is you won't be

I do have a female name and a male name. I was born a male but I still feel that I am a female.

[Nordic]

53. I am sorry if I offended you in any way

I really didn't mean to.

When this was posted on GD I just didn't get it. I seriously thought you might be joking somehow.

Obviously I have almost no education about what the term "transgendered" means. I am quite ignorant of it, and because I'm better informed than most people that I know, I can only assume there are many others like me.

I do know people who fit the description you offer, however, and I never thought of them as anything other than, well, people who I like and who are interesting and different people. I know a wide variety of people, believe me.

Again, sorry if I offended, I never should have entered this thread.

Good night.

[AnIndependentTexan]

57. I'm not offended and I don't get offended easily so don't worry

[fujiyama]

25. This is GD

where the discussions aren't strictly political. You're thinking of GD: Politics.

So get over it.

[Name removed]

32. Deleted message

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[Name removed]

33. Deleted message

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[Zenlitened]

39. Self-delted. Thank you for your post apologizing to AIT.

[Nordic]

43. I'm an asshole!

For those of you who hadn't read Will Pitt's assessment.

This was originally posted in GD and I thought I was asking some actual questions about what "transgendered" meant because I was seriously confused about how someone could go through a sex change operation without his family noticing ....

Okay, so I got straightened out about that, and then I wondered why he was sharing this with 60,000 strangers in a political forum .....

And then the post got moved to the lounge, where it belongs and where I never would have responded to it, and now I'm being called an "asshole".

Which is fine. I've had death threats and been stalked for stating my political beliefs on DU, as I'm sure Will Pitt has as well.

But do we really think that people who come out as crossdressers to their family are "the bravest people on earth?"

This is a real question, and I'm not criticizing the original poster by saying this. I have no problems with what anybody does in their bedrooms. I could give a shit.

I just wonder why everybody else gives such a shit.

[Zenlitened]

47. Self-delted. Thank you for your post apologizing to AIT.

[Nordic]

52. I would love to get educated rather than attacked

But since I'm an asshole, attack away.

I don't like assholes either, goddamnit!

If anyone ever expresses confusion about what you're talking about -- they're an ASSHOLE!

Anyone from the South -- ASSHOLE!

Anyone driving a pickup truck -- ASSHOLE!

Anyone in an SUV -- ASSHOLE!

Anyone who owns a gun -- ASSHOLE!

[Name removed]

55. Deleted message

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[Name removed]

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[progmom]

42. What the hell?

Seriously dude, you need to show some respect. And if you can't muster that, try some tolerance. And if that's beyond you, maybe you've joined the wrong political party.

[prof_science]

34. Well, I read your post...

...before it was deleted. Bravo, sir.

[Nordic]

37. You want to hear about my sex life?

I didn't think so.

DOH! I guess I'm still an asshole.

[AnIndependentTexan]

41. that is why people are having a problem with what you are posting

If you believe that this is a sex life then you are wrong. I do not sexually get turned on by female clothes. I personally don't need the female clothes because in my heart I am who I am. I was born this way. This is more of a life style then sex life.

[Nordic]

50. well I really just don't understand any of it, so maybe I am an asshole

like Will Pitt says.

I have a lot of respect for Will Pitt, so if he says every post I've ever wriitten shows that I'm an asshole, well, by God he might be right.

I seriously didn't understand a goddamn thing about this thread from the getgo and I still don't.

I know people who are crossdressers and I could care less about the fact that they are crossdressers and I never really thought about giving them a "label".

I'm gonna go look at all my old posts now and see how big an asshole I've been in all of them.

Thank you for your understanding and for so thoughtfully addressing my questions about what it means to be "transgendered".

But if you're wondering, this is a perfect example of left-wing intolerance, to attack someone who has very real questions about what the fuck it is you're talking about.

[prof_science]

54. You're not an asshole...

...because you're asking questions. But if it's all too much for you, or "too much information" as you said, then go away and take in another thread. If you're confused with the terminology, Google is a great place to start.

[AnIndependentTexan]

56. did you ever think

If you have real questions then all you have to do is ask real questions? The reason why I'm not afraid of posting is because a lot of people don't know the difference. You've also confused who I am. I'll try to explain

First I'm not a crossdresser because clothes are not what turn me on. I do not get a kick out of dressing up. I have been dressed in female clothes before, but I felt more complete then anything. I can be in male or female clothes and feel the same way I do.

I'm not transexual because I don't plan on changing my body. The only reason why I didn't go through with changing my body is because I couldn't have a baby. The part about being pregnant was about having kids. That is not about sex, but about being a mother.

Second I didn't dress at home because I felt I would be disowned if I did. I also didn't have a desire to dress. Who I am is more about the heart and soul. On the inside I feel I am female. I also feel I should have been born a female and not male. My body is what is wrong.

Third another reason I didn't change is because I would feel alienated in the female world. The only way I will change is if I can be a fully complete female or start life over again as a child. The reason why I am willing to start life over again is because childhood is important in being a mother.

P.S. I know I can never become a child again. I know the difference between fantasy and reality. I also know logic and reason. The only thing I could do with my life is find a balance between everything.

[Nordic]

72. thank you for the information

Obviously I am clueless about this subject, as are many others, I believe.

I've seen others on DU ask about what the term meant as well.

[Nothing Without Hope]

78. the female world

Here is something I do have experience with: the female world. Are you so sure you would feel so alienated in it, with or without surgery? Seems to me the main thing about the female world is the ways that women interact with each other vs with men. It's true that you wouldn't be able to chat about personal experiences with "female troubles," i.e., medical issues relating to female physiology, but that's a very small proportion of the communication anyway and not the most important. It seems to me that the rest has to do more with how women think and relate to one another, which is indeed different from the way men do. (Yes, there are overlaps, but the difference is real.) I would hope that you would be able to share in that. I can tell you, if you don't already know, that it can be very, very good -- warm, empowering, and connecting. Men generally have different priorities and expectations when they interact with women and miss so very much because of it.

I hope that you find that you can indeed find a place in the female world in this sense. I can't see an insurmountable reason why you couldn't if you wanted to.

[AnIndependentTexan]

80. It's a lot harder then most think

Some of the stuff most women don't think about because they learn it from childhood and up. Take make-up for a example. Knowing what to put on the face, how to apply it, what products works best, and how to know which tones match the skin. This is something most women do naturally because they've learned over the years how to.

There's a lot to learn about clothing and which is best for what type of place. Then there is high heels which I don't think I could ever get used to. Another thing I know nothing about since I don't have breast is bra's. I know these things could be learned but it takes time.

Most of all though is every time the word baby or baby shower gets mentioned I think I would get depressed. The whole pregnant part is a big reason that I would feel alienated. Women don't realize how lucky they are that they are the only ones who are capable of carrying a child.

You would be amazed how much women talk about their kids. I just don't know if I could take the pain of not being able to give birth to a baby. Deep down that is something in me that I wish with all my heart I was capable of experiencing. I know most women would say PMS is a bad thing, but if it meant being able to have a child I would gladly take it.

[Nothing Without Hope]

82. Some things are easier

The makeup part isn't as hard as it looks. Getting a demo by, say, a knowledgable Mary Kay consultant or (for the more well-to-do) a spa of some kind is very educational for most women, you know, as well as fun. (And despite the sometimes silly reputation--the pink cars and all--most Mary Kay products are excellent, by the way.) Over the years, I've settled into a comfortable pattern of choosing a degree of makeup to suit the situation; most of the time I do without most of it and am more comfortable both with myself and with my true appearance as a result.

As for clothing, I refuse to wear high heels any more. If I were very short I might still choose to wear them in some situations, because it's true that short women are often dismissed as "cute" rather than taken seriously. But that's not a problem for me. Finding a range of clothing to suit different situations and your own coloration and preferences can be more of a challenge. If you are interested in soft cotton and other natural fabrics and draped, simple styles I can recommend the clothing made by the people at Deva Lifewear, a cooperative company with an interesting history and products I have enjoyed for many years (www.devalifewear.com). I don't know much about the more "girly-girl" sorts of styles, as I've never preferred them myself.

But most talk between women in the absence of men isn't about makeup or clothes, it's about people and books and places and music and foods and...you get the idea. There is a lot of networking and sharing of ideas and knowledge, a lot of reassurance and non-malicious humor. Yes, there is also a lot of talk about children, and I hope you find a way to be able to deal with that with less pain. A lot of women are either unable to have children or have lost them, and they are still part of the embracing sisterhood...and in fact often need it all the more.

Well, here I am typing away at nearly 5 AM -- I must be out of my mind. I suppose I'm doing it because I feel so strongly that I want to somehow send you supportive vibes.

The best of good fortune and warm companionship to you.

[Ms_Mary]

85. Be who you are

You don't have to know those things. None of those things make a woman a woman and many women don't partake of heels or make up and there are infertile women. Those things don't make a woman, it's what's inside. Hang in there.

[ikojo]

89. I'm female and I haven't a CLUE on how to apply

makeup. My mom was not one to sit down and let me play dress up while she got ready for work, trust me on that one.

My older sisters just wanted to get ready and get out of the house already. They didn't sit down with me and show me how to apply makeup.

I have never worn makeup in my life except on one occasion and that was when some co-workers thought it would be fun to put eye makeup on me (I wear glasses). Having never done it I let them do it. My eyes felt heavy. I was well into my 20s when they did that.

[progmom]

58. I didn't see very real questions

I saw you telling AIT that they were telling you waaay more about themselves than you wanted to know. That seemed a little insensitive, considering that they're looking for a little support from friends.

[Nordic]

60. my first post consisted of three questions

right here:

Maybe I'm an idiot, but doesn't "transgendered" mean you've had a sex change operation?
And wouldn't your family notice such a thing?
And why is this a political issue?

They were serious questions and I really thought he might be joking because I thought the term meant you'd had a sex change operation and how could you do that and THEN "come out" to your family? And since it was in GD I wondered what it had to do with politics.

It all went quickly downhill from there ....

And I apologized and now I'm done with it.

GOOD NIGHT EVERYBODY! I LOVE YOU ALL!!

Seriously, I love DU, but I have issues.

[Name removed]

62. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Nordic]

65. Ya know, Will ......

Unbenownst to you, you and I have e-mailed each other in the past and have had a very cordial exchange. You urged me to get back to DU. I had left it. You were quite friendly.

I have always had the utmost respect for you even though I find you to be a little bit egotistical, but that's okay, you deserve it.

But I really don't understand where this viritol is coming from.

I remember a lounge post you made last night (another one I didn't get at all) and I made a joke about that.

Perhaps you have a thin skin. I was teasing you. Others went on to explain what your post meant.

I'd like an explanation as to why you're attacking me.

[Name removed]

66. Deleted message

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[Name removed]

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[Moderator]

76. Enough!

I think both of you have been here long enough to know DU guidelines on personal attacks.

[prof_science]

75. Look at your other posts.

Like post 11, for example. Then explain what the hell you meant. Then go to another thread.

[AntiCoup2K4]

81. The sheep have sworn themselves to secrecy

Shouldn't you do the same?

[Nothing Without Hope]

40. A pleasure to see you stand up for AnIndependentTexan.

And I'm glad you did.

[Nothing Without Hope]

12. Can you recommend more articles?

While bisexuality and male and female homosexuality are commonly discussed, I know almost nothing factual about transgender.

[AnIndependentTexan]

17. this one is pretty good

http://transsexual.org/Data0.html

Gender is part of identity of self. An individual person possesses an individual identity, and that identity is defined by a set of describable qualities, one of which is gender. If a person were to have their gender changed, they would be also changing their core identity. A different identity, by definition, would mean a different person.

A change of gender would essentially mean the death, or annihilation, of one identity, one personality, and the replacement of that personality with a new one. Since the new personality would be a new individual, it can be argued that no transition has occured...just a replacement, following the destruction of a previous state.

Since the term "trans" defines a "transition" (this word itself derived from the root), and such transition is contradictory to the term "transgender" itself, the term 'transgender' is essentially meaningless...a paradoxical word devoid of definition.
Unlike 'transsexual' which clearly defines a condition, 'transgender' is a null term.

Attempts have been made to play with the word and force meaning upon it. An example would be to suggest that it somehow represents 'the whole spectrum of gender expression', as in 'across gender', but this is not a valid interpretation of the latin roots. A proper term for this concept would be "pangender" or "pangenderism", which would in fact mean "all gender".

It is essentially inescapable that 'transgender' is a poorly crafted attempt at terminology.

It has been suggested that the value of the word "transgender" may lie in the fact that it is meaningless, so that it forms a comfortably vague label to unite various kinds of people who exist outside cultural gender definitions but who have little in common otherwise. To this end it is commonly used, and this unification may have benefit in terms of seeking political power to liberalize society, or to redress social injustice.

[Nothing Without Hope]

24. Thank you.

I'll study this material and look for more.

From my own experience with the birth of my daughter I have some inkling how fundamental gender identification is. When I was pregnant, I didn't know the baby's gender until the birth. I found it difficult to think of my unborn baby as a real person without knowing the gender; I couldn't even call the baby by a real name. Everything changed the moment she was born. Even then I was struck by the psychological impact of knowing her gender. She could finally be named and she went to full personhood, instantly. It seems our hard-wired mental classification system puts a very high priority on knowing gender.

You don't need anyone to tell you that you did the right thing in telling your family. But I can wish you the best for future developments -- and do.

[FizzFuzz]

69. cool post, NWH and BIG Pats on the back and hugs, AIT

NWH, I already did know the differences between the various terms we're using here, but I love this post and how you explain how you realized the deep importance of gender to one's identity--you really gave me an "AHA!" experience.

AIT-- I am so glad to hear that most of your family is supportive. It must be a real relief to tell them about who you are. Again, I am so glad they let you be you; you are lucky! Thanks for your patient and clear explanations of what your identity means, too.

A dear friend of mine who is gay has a wonderfully happy coming out story. I love to hear this kind of thing. :D !!

[Nothing Without Hope]

79. FizzFuzz, I really love "AHA!" moments

...it's one of the reasons I became a scientist. I'm tickled to hear that I helped give you one.

[idiosyncratic]

26. There are quite a few books written by transgendered individuals

She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders is just one.

True Selves: Understanding Transsexualism--For Families, Friends, Coworkers, and Helping Professionals by Mildred L. Brown
Wrapped In Blue: A Journey of Discovery by Donna Rose
Dress Codes: Of Three Girlhoods---My Mother's, My Father's, and Mine by Noelle Howey
Crossing: A Memoir by Deirdre N. McCloskey
Hidden in Plain Sight by Leslie D Townsend
Feminizing Hormonal Therapy For The Transgendered by Dr. Sheila Kirk
Transgender Care: Recommended Guidelines, Practical Information, and Personal Accounts by Gianna E. Israel
Trans Forming Families: Real Stories About Transgendered Loved Ones, 2nd Edition by Ari Ishtar Lev
My Gender Workbook: How to Become a Real Man, a Real Woman, the Real You, or Something Else Entirely by Kate Bornstein


Check Amazon for these titles and others.

[Nothing Without Hope]

35. Wow, thanks for the book list.

Looks like I've got my work cut out for me.

[sans qualia]

48. Ooh, I've read... three of those. A couple more:

Conundrum by Jan Morris is a classic autobiography, although it's kinda dated at this point. Personally I enjoyed the aforementioned She's Not There more, but this is one of the earlier, better known ones.

In Search of Eve: Transsexual Rites of Passage by Anne Bolin. Also a bit old and hard to find, but it's worth the read if you can find it. Bolin is a social anthropologist who writes about the unique culture of a group of urban transsexuals and cross dressers.

[Digit]

7. Hang in there..

Hopefully, the most difficult part is over.
You are who you are, and you are perfect the way you are.

[Nothing Without Hope]

8. Best to you, peace and warmth to your family

Keeping a secret like this must have been a painful burden. You've opened the door to peace and communication, it seems to me. This is a good thing and must have taken such courage.

[BeeBee]

9. Wow!!!

Congrats!! Hopefully you and yours are OK...

[Rowdyboy]

10. I thought it was hard explaining to my mom I was gay...I can only imagine

your situation...Best of luck

[latteromden]

15. Congrats!! I wish I had that sort of courage. What did you tell them?

I've wanted to come out to my parents as gay for, oh, what, three years? I've just never been able to.

And I wish that people were more informed about transgender issues. They understand a little about homo- and bisexuality, but anything other than that goes right over their heads.

[Catherine Vincent]

16. Well that's good that you told them.

And we here at DU will support you no matter what. Congratulations! I hope that your family will support you too.:-)

[sweetheart]

19. I used to wonder

about such things... and then i discovered meditation, that i am
pure consciousness, and that the body is a wart. ;-)

As you get older, your sexuality will be less and less an important
definition in your life, as indeed, it is youth culture that pushes
the need for such definitions, by its hormonal drives to reproduce.

Frankly, i could care less about sex these days. The question is,
"Do you give good love." In that sense, only someone who is totally
and profoundly awake within themselves is so capable.

I respect your awakening, and your sharing of it. The well is
infintely deep. If you keep asking yourself "What is it i really want."

deeper and deeper, there is a point where the body becomes an
ephemeral tool in the satisfaction of a deeper soul. In this
regard, i celibrate all steps of awakening by all people, as you
are a reflection of us all, and if Bill Clinton had asked himself
such questions long ago, and foregone his craving for lewinsky soup
for perhaps pea soup, bush would never have existed, and we'd be
in Al gore's second term right now, talking about our stock
dividends. :-)

[idiosyncratic]

20. You and others like you are the bravest people on the planet

I really hope you are okay and that your family will be completely accepting. :hug:

[American Tragedy]

21. Good for you. That takes guts.

:toast:

I wonder how the kids wrapped their head around that.

So I'm curious, do you now live as a woman in your daily life? Have you altered your appearance to match your gender identity?

[UTDemocrat8204]

22. Hey are you

On the CommonGround board?

[AnIndependentTexan]

23. yep I've always been JasonATexan

I used that name first because I found Kerry/Edwards forum before I found Democratic Underground. Kerry/Edwards forum was the only forum I had visited. When Kerry/Edwards forum closed down a lot of forum members from there moved to CommonGround. I just didn't feel safe using JasonATexan at Democratic Underground cause I was using my real name there for email.

[Placebo]

28. My dad is transgendered...

Although I guess I shouldn't call him "dad" anymore since technically...well...you know.

He told the fam officially this year, but I've known for years. (for many reasons)

I wish you all the best, if you ever want to talk, I'm open. :hi:

[SillyGoose]

30. You go, AnIndependentTexan!

Hope it went well. :hug:

[tibbir]

31. I really admire you for your courage and conviction.

My ex-husband was gay and he was 45 before he finally fully came out and told his family.

I'm a Unitarian which welcomes people of all persuasions. I know of one transgender woman who attends. She's very beautiful. I wish I knew her better but we attend different things on Sundays.

Good luck in your journey. It looks like you've taken a huge step already.

[jonnyblitz]

36. good luck with it all!

:hi: :thumbsup:

[Gryffindor_Bookworm]

38. I congratulate you for your courage and self-possession.

I'm proud of you. :hug:

[progmom]

45. Congratulations

I'm sure it must be really tough, but you're doing the right thing.

:hug:

[Nothing Without Hope]

49. Question from ignorance

Some of the other people in the thread are referring to you as "she." Is this what you prefer? Should I assume that when someone tells me they are transgender that I should always adjust the personal pronoun gender, or is it best to ask?

[AnIndependentTexan]

59. depends on how the person feels

For me I'm open to both and it doesn't offend me. For others it is different. Whatever anyone is comfortable with is OK. I rather that be up to them.

[sans qualia]

51. Congratulations!

I hope everything turns out ok. If you ever want to talk to someone who knows what you're going through, PM me.

I hope you don't mind my asking, but are you planning to transition, or did you just come out for your own peace of mind?

[ConsAreLiars]

63. Bravo!

And good news regarding your family. It's hard for them (and you) because of the sexually repressive puritanism that dominates the US but other than confusion about gender identity and orientation (obviously different attributes, if you think it through) they seem to be trying to be supportive.

[tamtam]

64. Good for you

best of luck with your family. :hug:

[Lone_Star_Dem]

67. I just read the thread here and I'm proud of you.

You've done a wonderful job of stating facts and baring your soul with great eloquence. If I understand you correctly your reasons for posting this here are not just to help you advance further in your life, but also to educate others. Bravo! You're one strong and brave person. You have earned my respect, for whatever that's worth.

Huge :hug: for you. :)

[Book Lover]

71. Good for you!

We're all here for you. :hug:

[Bouncy Ball]

77. All the best to you.

I'm sure that wasn't easy. :hug:

[Harry S Truman]

83. Cheers!

You go Texan! You are special. Always be yourself.

[NightTrain]

84. Good for you, buddy! I know what it's like to live a lie.

For the first 22 years of my life, I assumed the guise of a conservative so as not to upset my relatives. But after the 1988 election, I finally had enough and "came out" as a left-winger. My relatives didn't know what to make of it but eventually came to grudgingly accept the real me--mainly because whenever one of them gave me a hard time about it, I'd rip them a new anal opening! :evilgrin:

[katinmn]

86. That must be a tremendous burden off your shoulders

congratulations for summoning the courage.

:thumbsup:

[CatBoreal]

87. You're very brave...

...and I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself.

I hope things continue to go well on your journey.

Bright Blessings

[gollygee]

88. Best wishes to you!

and congrats on following through with something that must have been difficult.

:hug: