First, I want to say thank you to everyone who constantly supports me. I need to pay more attention to your messages and less attention to the negative people. Having said that, a quick reply to those feeling the need to complain about me sharing my grief, my depression, my anger, my politics and beliefs, or anything else other than what you deem acceptable…NO ONE ASKED YOU! I’m much more than the image you see when I post. I share the whole of who I am because it is important for others who may be experiencing the same feelings to know they are not alone. It is also important for me to know that I am not alone.
I am not trying to be some Instagram model that focuses on silicon bodies, designer things, and empty messages. I see the world differently with so much passion and love for others and with that comes more emotion, vulnerability, and sincerity. I’m not knocking any Instagram models at all so please don’t take it that way. I’m merely saying it isn’t who I am so if that’s what you are seeking to follow, you won’t find it here. This journey we are all on can be so beautiful yet so difficult and it is important to know we are not alone. We are all connected in many ways. We can and should learn from each other…Build each other up rather than tear each other down…practice Love, not hate. #love #transisbeautiful #latepost #speakingup #speakingout #thisisme https://www.instagram.com/p/CG-8z21goAa/?igshid=1q1e8307ijs5t
Giving a little throwback for this #transformationtuesday post. I began my transition in a furniture store I managed in Waco, Texas…yup, you read that correctly…Waco . It’s hard to believe that was 8 years ago. I remember starting hormones near the end of 2011 and dreading the conversation I had to have with my regional manager to inform him of my transition. I was pleasantly surprised when his response was, “I’m from New York…I have been around the lgbt community my whole life. I have no problems with this at all. When do you want me to let corporate know?” As I slowly told coworkers, I kept being met with open arms and open hearts. I know it’s a rare occurrence to transition in a workplace and find so much support and for that I’m beyond grateful. I have so many great stories from that experience and may share them as a few YouTube videos. I think I have shared one or two already. #beforeandafter #memories #transition #transisbeautiful #grateful #lifecanbebeautiful #betruetoyourself #latepost #lategram https://www.instagram.com/p/CEnZjqhAlGl/?igshid=o7bhkbf3otuo
Life has changed so much over the past 10 years ——————————————————— I was deep in the closet and had so much self hatred for myself when the picture on the let was taken. I enjoyed getting away and being myself for a while but I was still married and felt as if I would never be able to live my truth. I always felt guilty for those little getaways because that meant I had to lie to my wife. I truly loved her and vowed to spend my life with her but at what cost? I hated who I was and what I saw in the mirror. It seemed as if the harder I tried to suppress who I was or run from it, the more depressed I would get. Ultimately we divorced (at her request) but it was for the best as I couldn’t truly give her all of me. ——————————————————— Fast forward to the present day and I proudly live my life out loud. It took time and a lot of patience to get where I am now. This journey hasn’t been the easiest by any means but I have enjoyed it. When you can look in the mirror and know the image reflected matches who you really are, the peace and joy that follows is indescribable. #proudtobeme #transformationtuesday #transisbeautiful #authenticallyme #proud #happy #myjourney https://www.instagram.com/p/CDen7MUgT9w/?igshid=1j7tpsw783q53
With the picture on the left I’ll hear things like “trans women are so beautiful,” “you have every right to be who you are,” “you were definitely meant to be a woman,” and “you are a woman now, why even say you are transgender.” The picture on the right is a different story. Y’all will say things like “not fair, born a man and still a man,” “I’m all for you being yourself but you shouldn’t be competing against women,” “why don’t you start a league for transgenders,” and “just stick to wearing lingerie and leave the sports to the real women.” Those are all actual replies I’ve received. Whats even more insane is most men who want to comment and speak up about trans women in sports don’t even watch or follow women’s sports! People just want to interject their opinion and bias into things they think need their opinion. Rather than trying to isolate and exclude trans individuals from society, focus on your life. Would you want to be excluded or deemed unworthy because of who you are? Stop judging people based on their race, gender, sexuality, gender identity, religion, nationality, etc…live and let live already, damn! ——————————————————— I’ve said this over and over…the fears and stigmas around trans athletes are false! The Olympics have had a policy in place since 2004 allowing trans athletes to compete, name a single trans Olympian…I’ll wait…. ——————————————————— The few trans athletes who have had success, have done so because of the hard work and training they put into their sport, period! If it was an unfair, biological advantage, all the other trans athletes who compete would be winning as well. ——————————————————— My existence should not be on the DL, for you to fetishize, or limited to “trans only” leagues, groups, or events. Stop trying to “other” me. I’m here, I’m going to pursue my dreams, and live my life…that is not going to change based on your unsolicited opinions! #facts #transisbeautiful #transathlete #notashamed #unbothered #determined #focused #liveandletlive #athlete #lingerie #model #activist #proud https://www.instagram.com/p/CAqLqGmgJm9/?igshid=1og6wslkjavkd
