After responding to the thread which asked the question about the possible impact of the general public's discussion of gender dysphoria, I thought I'd share this recent experience which actually shows there ARE exceptions to the public's sometimes "herd mentality":
Last week I began my annual Spring ritual of getting a full Brazilian wax along with waxing my legs. My usual aesthetician wasn't available, and I noticed that the young lady who would be doing the waxing seemed a little nervous. Once I'd gotten undressed and, on the table, she confessed that I was the first transwoman she'd met, and wondered if it was ok if she asked me some questions. I said "shoot"!
I noticed right away that her questions all seemed to be focused more on the psychological rather than the physiological aspects of my transition - especially on how well my family and friends accepted my transition - and if I ever struggled with being open and honest about who I was. I finally asked if it would be OK if I asked HER a question. She said "yes". So, I asked: "are YOU struggling with being open and honest about who you are"? She nodded, and I could see she was about to tear-up. I asked her if she'd like to talk to someone who might be able to help her begin to figure out the important things in her life. She nodded again. I forwarded my gender therapists number to her cell phone and suggested that she give her a call. Although I've not needed to see my therapist in quite a while, I've always kept her number handy - and I was so happy on that day that I did!
The young lady gave me a hug as I was leaving, and we both started laughing when she said, "it's obvious that a penis doesn't make a man, because YOU are a woman"!
Enlightenment is a beautiful thing...I've never been more convinced that my decision to live my true life was the correct one than at that moment. I hope her life ahead is a happy one and that maybe she'll want to keep me along for support. We'll see!
