Brianna,

I think you have a great attitude about where you are going, and are clearly showing some bravery by just getting out there. I agree that sometimes we will get read, or someone may look at us sideways, this Saturday my wife and I were at a Pay Less Shoe Store (so sad they are going out of business) that had a ton of my size shoes and as we were checking out the clerk at the cash register couldn't stop staring at me. I just gave her a good look and a smile and let it go. My first thought was I just got read, but then I thought who cares. A while back I would have happily crawled into any hole I could find, because of that fear of being read, but something has changed as I get out and work on my presentation, it is a confidence in myself and it is also a bit of "I just don't give a crap anymore of what people think" attitude. It is also having a wife that loves me unconditionally and supports me 110%. I am who I am, we are who we are supposed to be, I live my life, give respect and care for others, and if someone doesn't like the way I look, or thinks less of me because as Aunt Kelly says I was "deformed by testosterone" then so be it, they have the right to their opinion and I have a right to mine.

It is still a day to day struggle and there are times that even though we go out often that I worry, or get apprehensive but I can tell you it certainly does get easier, there are days that will be easier than others. It is quite refreshing to hear that your family is being somewhat supportive.

Good luck!

Mattea