I've made my decision

[Helena Gwyn]

Well, yesterday, I had a talk with my therapist about my experiences from last month, ending with the best moment of my life last Friday when Helena finally came out in public.
It was emotional for both of us. Seeing me with wig, make-up and fully dressed on the pictures moved her intensely as it still does me. She couldn't stop looking at the pictures because they seemed 'right', just as it felt 'right' for me. She compared me with a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. The process of coming out of the cocoon is extremely painful for the butterfly, but once out they can fly freely with all their beauty and elegance, and that's what I've done. I'm coming out, I'm being born, it's time to fly. The session ended with a heartfelt hug and joy on both sides, but is written in my heart forever.

I have an appointment with my doctor next week to prolong my sick-leave (for my recent burn-out) and to inform her of my emotional journey so far concerning my gender-identity. Dealing with all these emotional changes cost me a lot of energy and teaching is emotionally not an option now. I'm planning on starting my transition. It's what feels right. I've always wanted this, wished for it, hoped for it, but never dared to let it out. After my experiences so far, I can only say that living my life as a man feels like a prison, dull, grey and locked up. I know I might have had just a few experiences, but what can I say, the heart wants what the heart wants.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Helena Gwyn, I wish you all the best on your new life's journeys ,
May all of your paths be covered with Rose Petals and Sunshine.

[Andy66]

Good luck, I hope your transition will be as smooth as possible. I hope your school is understanding. Im sure that can be a sticky subject, and you will need to have doctors notes and stuff so they can tell parents that they are not legally allowed to discriminate against you. On the bright side, you have the opportunity to give some students and parents a very positive example of TGs.

[Helena Gwyn]

Hi Helena Gwyn, I wish you all the best on your new life's journeys ,
May all of your paths be covered with Rose Petals and Sunshine.

That would be wonderfull!

Good luck, I hope your transition will be as smooth as possible. I hope your school is understanding. Im sure that can be a sticky subject, and you will need to have doctors notes and stuff so they can tell parents that they are not legally allowed to discriminate against you. On the bright side, you have the opportunity to give some students and parents a very positive example of TGs.

I'm not really concerned that it's going to be a problem for my school in the end, except for a few (rather conservative) parents that might have a problem with me teaching religion to their children. I'm not the first transgender teacher in my country either and there's also an official set of teachingmaterials to talk about this subject with your students. I even believe that at this moment there are two transgender students in my school that will start transition when they're old enough. But as you point out, I do 'like' the fact that I might have the possibility to create a positive image about the subject and talk about a loving God from my own experience, instead of a punishing God for being different that some people might live by.

[CostaRicaRachel]

That is great that you are coming to terms with this. It is a difficult to finally make that decision,
I am still wrestling with it myself. Hopefully, in 2 years (or maybe less) you will finally be the person
you really are. I really hope it goes smoothly.

[Eringirl]

Hi Helena:

What wonderful news! I wish you happiness and peace both through your journey and in your life.

Erin

[MsVal]

NEWS: Helena transforms into a butterfly and escapes prison where she had been condemned to spend her life in the wrong body.

All joking aside, this is a very big decision that will affect every facet of your life. It takes a lot of courage to make that decision. God bless you on this journey toward self actualization.

[bridget thronton]

I wish you well - i know teaching is a calling and not easily put aside

[Helena Gwyn]

That is great that you are coming to terms with this. It is a difficult to finally make that decision,
I am still wrestling with it myself. Hopefully, in 2 years (or maybe less) you will finally be the person
you really are. I really hope it goes smoothly.

There's so much weight from my shoulders now that I've finally come to terms with this. It's a frightening journey, but I will take every step with guidance from specialists.

Hi Helena:

What wonderful news! I wish you happiness and peace both through your journey and in your life.

Erin

Thank you!

NEWS: Helena transforms into a butterfly and escapes prison where she had been condemned to spend her life in the wrong body.

All joking aside, this is a very big decision that will affect every facet of your life. It takes a lot of courage to make that decision. God bless you on this journey toward self actualization.

Lol, love the headline! And thank you!

I wish you well - i know teaching is a calling and not easily put aside

That's true indeed, and thank you!