As I'm packing up my condo here in the gayborhood in Dallas, in preparation for my move to a loft Deep Ellum, it really feels like I've reached the end of a chapter in my life - my transition.

I have enjoyed living in the gayborhood, although I didn't get out of it what I'd naively thought I would when I moved here. I'd hoped this was the central gathering point for trans people in Dallas. But it isn't - there isn't such a thing here. I did learn a lot about the gay and lesbian communities though, and have made a lot of friends, which is not something I'd ever expected. I knew maybe four gay people who were out to me when I moved in here. I didn't really know anything about it when I got here. And while I really haven't ever felt like I fit in here exactly - I'm not gay, and as much as I like guys, the ones in this neighborhood weren't interested in me, for the most part - I really have enjoyed it here. It was cool to be down here on the day the marriage equality ruling came down. If I hadn't lived here, I doubt I'd have been in the press conference with Jim Obergefell, the plaintiff in that case. In probably the most accidental ways possible, I was present for a historic event, albeit my involvement was on the margins, and that's being generous!

Two and a half years ago I couldn't have imagined such a thing. Ten years ago, I'd have been opposed to it, much to my shame.

I've had the opportunity to meet a great many trans people. I've tried to help as many as I can.

I've learned a lot about myself over the past two and a half years. In a lot of ways, I think I've lived more life during my transition than in the 50 years preceding it. A good deal of what I've learned about myself has surprised me. I've rejected so many of the ideas, values, morals, and social conventions that I once lived by. Rejection isn't even a strong enough word. I've come to accept that so many of the things I used to believe in are lies.

I know we say that we're the same person after transition as before - we just look different.

But I'm not the same person, inside or out.