Having been told that anyone who transitions publicly makes a "public spectacle" out of themselves, does that count as my year?
Alice | Homepage | 06.23.05 - 4:16 am | #

It is nice to find a good TS blog. We seem so far and few in between so it's nice to know that others are out there. And I like your suggestion of mentoring. I have not turned my back on those who are coming after us. I am a runner in a relay and now it is my turn to pass the baton.
Haily Storm | Homepage | 06.23.05 - 4:56 am | #

Anne,
I hope I'm fitting in with your request. I'm 16 1/2 years post-op, have been living stealth all that time after transitioning on leave from work.

I worked for a while with a friend before and after surgery with a support group for about 4 years. We helped build the group up and helped bring it more relevance to the real issues we girls (and even the guys) run into.

About 4 years ago, I started to read some of the blogs of the girls, and decided that I needed to help out some. I'm still stealth, but I befriend, help, advise, and nurture girls online through places like GenderPeace and through direct contact with some girls.

I look at it as a Pay It Forward kind of thing. If I help 3 girls, and they have a more positive transition, maybe they each will help 3 girls, and then 12 will have been helped. And, of course, it goes onward from there.

When I started back in the mid 80's, it was still scary out there for us girls. Checking out books from the library, dealing with people who weren't on the up-and-up, and having a hard time finding others like ourselves to go through this with. Back then the Internet wasn't the WWW. There weren't blogs. No one was posting much information about surgeons, meds, or therapists. There were a few BBS's around, but they didn't have much information. Now, you can find the best route to traverse down the TS highway, all from the comfort of your home, sitting in front of your computer. Isn't technology great?

Your idea is a good one, one that I've been practicing for a few years. I hope more girls give a hand up to the girl behind them.

Just remember to Pay It Forward!

Hugzz,
Lisa
Lisa Pagent | 06.23.05 - 7:59 am | #

Alice,
I'm not sure if the 'public spectacle' counts but I s'pose it could (when people realize how normal we are in general, it helps).

Haily,
Welcome! I'll have to peruse your site as well.

Lisa,
Your story is an inspiration. Thank you for all you've done.
Anne | 06.23.05 - 4:41 pm | #