Some people are surprised when they learn of stories like this. It really isn't unexpected, however. When society tells you that your true self isn't acceptable, you do the best you can to fit in -- and, for many transgender folk, that means adopting a conventional persona. There is a psychic cost to this, of course; suppressing your true nature doesn't make it disappear and can lead to many bad things. Some of us, at some stage in life, realize we have to be ourselves no matter what the cost. That's when we cross our fingers, make changes to our life and hope for the best.
I say congrats to her! Many people won't even have the opportunity to do this because our society is on crack.
ReplyDeleteGood for her. I agree with Sara that a lot of people aren't able to be who they really are because of societal pressures and it's BS. What a great story!
ReplyDeleteWow, my complete admiration, this happens to many of us in our lives, you feel you have to comply with requirements...
ReplyDeleteYay for her! While I can't generalize, I think things are (very slowly) changing. Last semester I wrote a paper on transgender individuals who use YouTube to document their transitions. I got thoughtful, honest responses from the folks I contacted and interviewed. I was impressed at how focused they were on not only sharing their individual journeys, but also providing support and guidance to other transgender individuals. They may be the vocal minority, but at least they're out there as role models and information sources. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiringly wonderful story, thank you very much for sharing. So many people feel like they need to hide who they truly are (whether it involves some element of their gender or sexuality or not), masks are worn, facades built, but with each story like this, one can't help but hope that perhaps one day everyone will comfortable to live as the kind of person they most truly want to be (assuming, of course, doing so doesn't hurt anyone else).
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
I agree, many congrats to her. I think it's hard to be yourself, even harder when breaking the conventional mold. I hope she finds happiness.
ReplyDeleteThis is fascinating and I am so moved by people who finally let themselves free and make a difference for so many others at the same time.
ReplyDeleteJ
Good for her!!
ReplyDeleteLike Frida Kahlo said--She is painting her own reality!!
ReplyDeleteand the picture is beautiful
I recently met a woman and later on got to know that she is actually transgender and has been thru a lot for that. Brave people.
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LaraLizard
its an incredible story and I'm glad she's free to be herself, I can't even contemplate how hard it must have been but now she looks relaxed and happy x
ReplyDeleteHer story is really inspiring; everyone should be able to be themselves.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you've read of her, but the frontwoman for one of my favorite bands, Against Me!, started her transition to living as a woman a little over a year ago. She even wrote of it for Cosmopolitan magazine: http://www.cosmopolitan.com/print-this/laura-jane-grace-first-year-as-a-woman?page=all
ReplyDeleteI also finally got to take pics in my party dress, after this bear of a semester. Thanks again for the idea. :D http://couturgatory.blogspot.com/2013/06/all-dressed-up-in-black-and-blue.html
I wrote about Gabel a year ago (May 16, 2012) and chatted on Twitter about her when the Cosmo article came out. It was good to see a mainstream magazine do a positive piece.
DeleteI'm off to see your party dress!
I hope she is going to be very happy!
ReplyDeletewow, what a story. nice to hear of happy endings!
ReplyDeleterockoomph.blogspot.com
Win a Summery Blue Satchel!
It's a bit of a happy ans sad story at the same time. You're glad because she's finally able to become the person she's always wanted. On the other side, it must be such a burden to pile up the secret for decades.
ReplyDeleteBut still very happy for her! I hope she likes what comes her way! Being a woman is way more than physique, it's a state of mind, and much more.
Nadya
eyeshadow illustrator
Good point. Some M2F's who transition fail to recognize this and are surprised at the loss of their male privilege.
DeleteWow! Such a strong person, and not just because of her military service. I wonder that the training and fighting were nothing compared to the battle she had to wage every day of her life for so many years, to hide who she really was inside. It's beautiful that she can finally be the person she is (that's what everyone in the world deserves, but sadly so many aren't lucky enough to have).
ReplyDeleteI think it's sad that the costs of these surgeries are so incredibly expensive. People should be able to live the way they want to.
ReplyDeletexo
styleontheside.com
This is a fantastic story. I'm so glad she was finally able to be her true self, but the sadness and numbing of her real feelings for so many years is unimaginable. By sharing this story I hope you, Ally, and many others are able to feel some comfort and strength and be who you truly feel you are. The world is changing and there are more people than ever willing to embrace all people under the GBLTI umbrella than ever before, and more opportunities every day for people to realise their dreams. Keep sharing and inspiring :) *hugs*
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