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It's a Steep and Exciting Learning Curve


Emma

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Learning curve... what?

Now, almost six years after I started contemplating whether I am trans, I am a woman in most ways except, perhaps, to myself. I have several very good cis women friends whom I love and love me. When we talk about my struggles they reassure me that I am clearly a woman to them. My speech, my mannerisms, certainly my clothing, all speak to the truth of me authentic gender. 

So what's the struggle? Why am I writing?

  • When I get dressed to go out I always consider will the outfit look nice and appropriate, warm or cool enough, water resistant if it's rainy, that sort of thing. But when I think about wearing a dress or skirt, is it okay for me to wear such a thing, especially if it's warm and I can't wear leggings underneath. I generally don't let those worries hold me back. Appropriateness is the order of the day and after that, well, I just get dressed. Like yesterday I needed to make a run to the local big box hardware store. I had been wearing paint-spattered Levi's and an equally crappy tee shirt while working in my basement. Men go to such stores without changing all the time. But women? Not so much. It was chilly so I wore a kind-of sweater dress, black leggings, black booties, lipstick, and threw on my bright red raincoat. No one at the store commented or noticed me unless they were out of eyesight. In the store, though, I was a fish out of water, clearly a woman shopping in the tool section. 
  • How am I supposed to be when dating? I have a non-binary cis-woman girlfriend which is fun and all but I struggle waiting for her to take the initiative when it comes to most anything such as hand holding or kissing. From time to time I go ahead and make a move.  Sure, that's how I was socialized. 
  • When I attend my ballet class and see myself in the mirror with the other women I can't help but see my broad(er) shoulders and height. Everyone is wonderful to me and I'm wonderful to them. And let's face it, they're no spring chickens either. Still...

I guess the bottom line is that I'm only gradually knowing within my being and heart that I am a woman, plan and simple, just going about her life like any other woman. 

The learning curve is steep but I remain so grateful to be on it. Maybe (probably) I'll aways have some nagging doubts, worries, that sort of thing. But there it is.

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Mike and I are working on an issue where, for some reason, comments on some blog posts aren't included in the list in the POSTS area on the Forums home page. Thus far, no joy, but the first step is to reproduce the problem!

Regardless, it's nice to hear from you and I hope you're well. The Coronavirus thing is spawning a fair amount of anxiety here in the Seattle area. Life continues to go on of course but I'm checking myself several times a day for feelings of a cold or flu coming on. So far so good, thank goodness. Late last week I made a quick trip to Chicago for a last electrolysis learning of my face and neck. I'm grateful I was able to make the trip although like everyone I'm sure I was concerned about hanging out in the airport, the plane, and so forth. 

How are you? How're things in Scotland? 

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That makes sense Emma, I'm sure it will be tracked down or iron itself out eventually, I used to call these internet gremlins!

 

Apart from bizarre supermarket shoppers, Scotland is being pretty sensible, all the big events are being cancelled and the schools have just been shut down - it was mad to tell people to avoid large groups and then still send their kids to school.

Wales has done the same and England may follow suite soon enough when parents take matters into their own hands. Having devolved parliaments is good but true independence is even more likely now as it would save getting contradictory advice and there will be one place to deal with all of the financial infrastructure.

I will become busier as most of my work involves those most at risk, but social distancing and self isolating are sensible precautions for everyone to take. Living rurally is actually a blessing here as it will not impact me as much, I can still wander down to the beach and go for walks, and neighbours already use the phone to keep in touch with each other and help with shopping and prescriptions.

We will keep our sense of humour, and will come out the other end, just as everyone else will. Please look after yourselves x 🤗

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Dear Dee,

Am sheltering in place, only going out once a week to shop. 

Lots of empty shelves, especially paper products, soap and hand sanitizer.

All restaurants, movie theaters/playhouses/concert and sporting venues are closed.

Have rescheduled all my doctor's appointments three months into the future.

Yet, I caught my 85 year old neighbor hugging and kissing (on the cheek) her neighbor last Sunday, after being told to maintain a 6 foot "social distance." Warned her again how serious this is, and also not to shake hands or do fist bumps. Instead, we are encouraged to do "Namaste," and the Japanese bow.

This is in upstate New York.

Everyone, please stay safe and healthy.

Your friend,

Monica

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