As some of you know I've been living as Jennifer for quite some time locally where I live. I'm mostly anomous there which to some degree has made transitioning very easy. Last week was my official emergence took place at work with overwhelming support. This week I've relocated to my childhood home and begin a summer locally happily in my skin. If there are going to be any situations of discomfort or issues with acceptance they are going to happen very quickly over the next couple of weeks. Its a small town with quite a mix of generational up bringing. Small town conservative, aging population, yuppy transplants from the city looking for a slower pace, and upper crust who summer here as a retreat on the coast. I've know EVERYONE for ever, been a local contributing resident over the summers with the Yacht club and youth programs along with inshore rescue and the active patron of our local live theater.
So the news of my transition will likely be quite a surprise to all as I've been quite an expert at hiding and masking my inner feelings. I had thought I might get one more summer living under the radar but realized that it wasn't fair to me and would be a significant emotional struggle in the end. Hormones and the associated effects have as well made "hiding" impossible.
So... out to my Dad yesterday with the help of family over the past week sensitizing him to the changes before I arrived. He's 83 and knew that he'd have a hard time internalizing even though we'd had this conversation a long time ago. His position is ignore and go about his day which is probably the best I can hope for for now and over the next few months he'll open up more.
Today it started... supplies at the local grocery and coffee. So it begins my first official summer in my home town as Jennifer. Boat launch on Friday, Theater on Saturday to start the summer program, Ladies night at the yacht club next Tuesday. Its going to be complete immersion completing the 3 distinct zones of my life (home local, work, and childhood home).
My confidence in myself and of others remains strong and I'm positive in my outlook.
I'll be attending an impromptu high school reunion next week as well so coming out party it is.
...and yes... I did remember to put the toilet seat down this morningbefore sitting.
Cheers all... Jennifer
