Magazine Article about My Transition

[steph1964]

I was interviewed by Echo Magazine, a Phoenix based LGBT magazine, about transitioning while working as a police sergeant.
The top link is to the magazine (the article starts on page 16) and the bottom link is directly to the article.

http://online.publicationprinters.com/launch.aspx?eid=3108a6ef-c2ca-48cc-a643-72776dcf2622&pnum=1

http://www.echomag.com/news/out-on-the-job.php (Sometimes this link goes to the homepage because of pop ups. If so, it is under the News section in the banner).

[KellyJameson]

Thank you for sharing the link and story Steph.

Your story shows the power of identity and the shame, fear and coping methods we use that goes with it when we think we must hide it to survive.

It is a relief to see the acceptance you have experienced.

I hope with greater acceptance the suicide rates may finally start going down.

[Kathryn Martin]

Very nice article.... you're awesome

[Barbara Ella]

Yes, Steph, you are an ordinary person as you finish the wonderful article. But I must also add that you are an extraordinary woman. Thank you so much for sharing.

Barbara

[RADER]

Thanks for sharing; You have a great careerer, and Transitioned all at the same time.
You are one of the lucky ones. Great article.
Rader

[gonegirl]

Steph is a good friend and we have hung out a lot. I would like to affirm that she is awesome.

What I wrote to her earlier today: Wow! That was a good read and I really like the matter-of-fact style that presents what happened to you as something out of the ordinary but not weird. I admire you for sharing your story :^)

PS. You sure look cute in those blues! ;^)

[Kimberly Kael]

I'm happy things are going well for you, Steph, and doubly happy to read that you're experiencing much of what I did. Most of the general public is perfectly willing to treat you with respect regardless of whether or not they realize we're transgender. The story is more complicated with friends and family, but even there my own experiences were overwhelmingly positive. It only gets better when you're able to let your guard down and relax into life as a woman. Congratulations!


Thanks for sharing; You have a great career, and transitioned all at the same time.
You are one of the lucky ones. Great article.

There are a lot of us out in the world, doing just fine. Some of it is the good fortune of being born in a time and place where acceptance is getting more common every day ... but you do Steph a disservice by suggesting her careful preparation and hard work doesn't play a huge part of her success. We can't control the reactions of others but we can influence them. We can choose the kind of people we surround ourselves with. In choosing to associate with decent people and hold them to a high standard we create an environment in which we can thrive when dysphoria finally drives us to transition.

[Dianne S]

That's a great story. It especially gives me hope because I, like Steph, am a "late transitioner" with all the worries that entails, and it seems to have worked out really well for Steph.

[Jorja]

Great article! Now get out there and be happy.

[arbon]

A terrific article, and you are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing it here.

[VickyMI]

Thanks for sharing.

The more stories like this the easier for those that follow.

BTW Scottsdale is my fav second city in the USA. Have visited 1-2 times a year for two decades.

[dreamer_2.0]

Really nice article.

[LeaP]

What a great article. It avoids nothing and is respectful to everything.

[PretzelGirl]

I think it is great that you did this Steph. It isn't easy opening up like that to the world. Even though I saw some of it here in real time, my eyes still failed to work properly while reading it. And I think the picture is a great one!

[traci_k]

Wonderful Article

[becky77]

Great article Steph, is the use of your surname rather than forename common practise there?

Thanks for making us human and real, no disrespect to anyone but usually media is about those who are really out there and want everyone to know and hence give us a bad name. It's nice to have someone normal representing us.

[GabbiSophia]

Wonderful article steph. Really good read

[Suzanne F]

Thanks for showing it is possible ! Good luck with your next career.
Hugs
Suzanne

[donnalee]

Great article. Because of your story you have become a pioneer and an inspiration for those who follow in your footsteps.

[Rogina B]

Very nice article about a very good person! Thanks for sharing the link!

[Karren J]

that's a great article Steph, things will change for the better for everyone because you did this. Thank you.

[Starling]

Yours is an inspiring story, Sgt. Sherwood, and Echo Magazine reported it well. Kudos to you and to the Mesa Police Department!

:) Lallie

[steph1964]

Thank you everyone!

The editor, who interviewed me, wrote another section about the interview that I didn't see until last night.

http://www.echomag.com/opinion/notes-646.php


[COLOR=#000000]Steph is a good friend and we have hung out a lot. I would like to affirm that she is awesome.

Thanks Simone! I'm looking forward to seeing you next week.


There are a lot of us out in the world, doing just fine. Some of it is the good fortune of being born in a time and place where acceptance is getting more common every day ... but you do Steph a disservice by suggesting her careful preparation and hard work doesn't play a huge part of her success. We can't control the reactions of others but we can influence them. We can choose the kind of people we surround ourselves with. In choosing to associate with decent people and hold them to a high standard we create an environment in which we can thrive when dysphoria finally drives us to transition.

I thank that luck has something to do with it but I agree that preparation goes a long way. I spent a long time and a lot of energy before my transition talking to people and helping them understand why I was going to transition. I think that had a huge impact on how well my transition went. I know other transsexuals with similar experiences. I also know a couple of girls who suddenly transitioned and expected everyone to accept them immediately. Their transitions didn't go very well.


Great article Steph, is the use of your surname rather than forename common practise there?

It's not uncommon and I think that he used it to avoid confusion between my pre and post transition.

[FurPus63]

I hope you didn't mind I shared your story with my friends on facebook. It needs to be shared and I figured you wanted people to read the article or you wouldn't have put it here. I am so happy for you! You look amazing! You're so pretty and you had a wonderful transition on your job! That is soooooooo cool! You are definitely my hero!

Paulette

[steph1964]

I don't mind at all. The reason I did the interview was to hopefully increase awareness in my little corner of the world.