Biggest step so far!

[Suzanne F]

I made my biggest step yet this week. On Sunday night I got ready and went to a local AA meeting for the first time as Suzanne. A few of my friends that know were there. I don't attend this meeting regularly but most people there know me as Brent. I walked in with my head held high! My friend saved me a seat and I sat down. I received some knowing looks from people that knew about me being trans but had never seen Suzanne. 3 different women who know me as Brent came up and asked my name. They were stunned when I told them. The earth did not stop and everything was fine. Since this isn't a regular meeting for me I did not think it was necessary for me to share and explain anything.

The next evening was my regular meeting where everyone knows me. I got ready and headed over to coffee like I always do. The people at coffee were happy that I was going as me, Suzanne. We then went over to the meeting. Some people had heard about me from the preceding evening. I was greeted by one of the women with a big hug. One of my male friends was kind of mean when I went through the door. He said," I don't know what you think you are doing but good luck." Not in a good way. I shook it off and sat down in the back with 2 of my girlfriends who already knew about Suzanne. They dolted on me and I took a deep breathe. I had been waiting for this moment and it was finally here!

The topic was fellowship and how our live get better. A few people shared and I decided it was time. I moved into an empty chair more in the middle of the room and raised my hand. The secretary called on me. Here was the moment! I am Suzanne and I am an alcoholic. There I said it. Like music I heard ,"Hello Suzanne!" I couldn't believe it. I said how much the people at this meeting meant to me and I hoped I would never lose them. I said I would always be doing the same things I had for the last 12 years as far as sponsoring people and loving members of AA. I said I had learned that love an tolerance is the code of AA and I hoped that would be true in this case. Then I said thank you. In a totally unexpected and really inappropriate manner a manly man said, " What should we call you from now on, Suzanne?" Without missing a beat I said when I look pretty call me Suzanne. Everyone laughed and the tension just melted from the room.
I can't tell you how many people came up afterward to offer their support. It was overwhelming. Even the guy who had been rude at the door came up and apologized. I have received calls and texts from very unexpected sources thanking me for my courage and honesty. I am now free to be who I want at my home group of AA. What a blessing !